ClassNK has issued Approval in Principle (AiP) for the designs of a cable jointing vessel and a cable burial vessel developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., confirming feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives.
In Japan, the expansion of wind power generation using offshore areas and surrounding islands with favourable wind conditions and relatively limited site constraints is expected as part of efforts to increase the share of renewable energy. However, suitable wind power locations are often far from major electricity demand centres, making the development and reinforcement of power transmission infrastructure a key challenge in delivering generated electricity to demand areas.
Long-distance subsea DC transmission supported by cable jointing and burial vessels is regarded as an effective solution to improve power transmission efficiency in this context.
For the certification, ClassNK reviewed the vessel designs in accordance with Part O of its “Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships,” together with other relevant rules. AiP was issued after confirmation that the prescribed requirements were satisfied.
ClassNK stated that it will continue supporting new technology development and social implementation, including through safety assessments, to contribute to the wider adoption of offshore wind power generation.
