Aquora, formerly XLCC, has launched as a Scotland-based cable installation and manufacturing business aimed at addressing demand for high-voltage cable supply in the UK and Europe.
The company said the timing aligns with a shift in industry attention toward the renewables supply chain, following 8.4 GW of offshore wind sanctioned through the AR7 auction. It also pointed to what it described as a structural shortage in high-voltage cable installation and manufacture. Citing industry sources, Aquora said c.100,000 km of high-voltage cables will be needed over the next ten years for European offshore wind and interconnectors, compared with a historical installation rate of around 3,500 km per year.
Aquora will initially focus on installation, using a new cable-lay vessel and with cable supplied by Orient Cables (NBO). The company said it plans to commence factory construction for cable manufacturing capacity in Scotland once it is established as a market participant with client relationships.
At launch, Aquora outlined a package centred on a UK-flagged cable-lay vessel—described as the first of its kind—intended to be in commission within this parliament. The CLV is also set to provide maintenance services for critical infrastructure, including emergency response for UK high-voltage cables damaged by third parties. The firm also set out a Scotland-based cable engineering and delivery capability for wind developers in the UK and Europe, with an employment target of 150–200 people. Cable supply is to be provided through a strategic partnership with Orient Cables (NBO), described as delivering a premium product within a deployment service. Looking ahead, Aquora said a high-voltage cable manufacturing facility in Scotland would employ c.800 people and generate long-term economic benefit for the Scottish economy.
On investment, Aquora said it will first deploy c.£350 million into a client-led installation business, followed by c.£650 million into manufacturing capacity oriented to customer demand. Over the next decade, the company said it will create c.1,000 jobs and help restore long-term industrial capability in Scotland.
Ragnhild Katteland, Chief Executive Officer designate, said the UK’s transition to homegrown low-carbon power is constrained by infrastructure rather than generation, adding that developers need cable installation capacity now. Lewis Gillies, Executive Chairman designate, said the business will support UK energy security and build industrial capability through greater strategic autonomy in a nationally significant part of the energy supply chain. Lai Wei, Managing Director of Orient Cable (NBO UK), said the partnership combines teamwork with proven subsea cable technology and delivery capability.
