Inspection Survey

SHE Transmission has established an operational inspection regime for the Shetland HVDC Link’s subsea cable. Within 12–18 months of installation completion, the company will survey the entire marine cable route, followed by a second full-route survey two years later, and then repeat full-route surveys every 3–5 years, with more frequent inspections targeted at critical areas such as regions with mobile sediments or increased scour. Findings from each survey will be compared with as-built data and previous surveys to adjust the inspection frequency based on risk, while SSEN also confirms that, once live, the link will be regularly surveyed to monitor its condition, protection, and to identify areas requiring proactive intervention and maintenance along the route between Shetland and Caithness.