Subsea cable replacement in Corfu

In December 2025, Nexans successfully completed a critical subsea cable replacement project off the coast of Corfu, Greece. The operation followed damage caused in 2024 when a ship’s anchor impacted part of a 145 kV SCFF (Self-Contained Fluid-Filled) subsea cable supplying power to the island.

Commissioned by IPTO (Independent Power Transmission Operator), the project officially began in March 2025 and was completed in November 2025. The mission aimed to restore a vital electricity transmission link, ensuring energy security for Corfu.

Despite challenging offshore conditions and the technical complexity of working with high-voltage subsea infrastructure, the project was delivered safely, on time, and in close collaboration with the client.

Challenges

The project involved several critical challenges:

• Emergency response context: Rapid mobilization was required following unexpected cable damage.
• Complex offshore operations: Subsea cable replacement at 145 kV involves precise engineering and execution under difficult marine conditions.
• Logistical coordination: Multiple teams and departments had to be aligned from mobilization to demobilization.
• Operational continuity: Ensuring minimal disruption to power supply during replacement activities.
• Safety requirements: Maintaining strict HSE standards in a high-risk offshore environment.

Nexans played a central role in the full lifecycle of the project, demonstrating its advanced Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair (IMR) capabilities.

Engineering & Project Management

• Detailed assessment of the damaged SCFF subsea cable system
• Design and planning of the replacement solution tailored to high-voltage subsea transmission requirements
• End-to-end project coordination across engineering, logistics, and offshore execution teams.

Cable Expertise

• Handling and replacement of 145 kV SCFF subsea cable, a highly specialized technology requiring precise fluid management and jointing expertise
• Execution of high-voltage subsea cable jointing and testing, ensuring long-term reliability and performance
• Integration with existing transmission infrastructure without compromising system integrity.

Offshore operations & Assets

• Deployment of the Nexans Skagerrak, a state-of-the-art cable-laying and repair vessel equipped for complex IMR operations
• Execution of subsea works including:
  • Cable retrieval and removal of the damaged section
  • Installation of replacement cable segment
  • Precision laying and protection of the cable on the seabed.
• Coordination of offshore teams, ROV operations, and marine logistics.

Inspection, Maintenance & Repair (IMR) Capability

• Rapid mobilization and readiness to respond to cable faults
• Strong operational discipline ensuring safe execution with zero incidents
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality subsea repair under challenging offshore conditions.

This project highlights Nexans’ capability to combine technical cable expertise, specialized vessels, and integrated project execution, reinforcing its leadership in subsea IMR services.