Survey vessel deployed for second Malta – Italy undersea cable

A survey ship has started to map a 50-metre corridor along the 100-kilometre route that will be followed by the second undersea power cable between Sicily and Malta.

"This operation will provide essential data to confirm seabed conditions and ensure that the subsea cable can be installed safely and reliably," Interconnect Malta, the government company handling the project said.

“This survey will provide seabed information needed to chart the safest route and the best-suited burial plan, which are essential inputs to reduce the risks during offshore cable laying, which will be carried out by a specialised vessel.” Ismail D’Amato, CEO of Interconnect Malta said.

NextGeo, a leading player in international marine geoscience and offshore construction, is carrying out the survey.

Nexans, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services, is manufacturing the 245kV high-voltage subsea cable system.

Giovanni Ranieri, CEO of NextGeo, commented: “We are proud to be supporting ICM and Nexans in this important project by playing an active role in a strategically important energy infrastructure such as the Malta–Italy Interconnector 2. Through the provision of high-quality geophysical and geotechnical seabed data along the cable route, we will contribute to a safe and reliable cable installation.”

Once completed, the interconnector will enhance security of supply, enable greater integration of renewable energy, and support Malta’s 2030 climate and energy targets.

The first inerconnector between Sicily and Malta was commissioned in 2015 and has played a central role in the provision of electricity to Malta.

The new 225kV cable will be 122km long and run parallel but at some distance from the first cable. It is set to cost around €300 million (including shore infrastructure) and is being co-financed by the European Union. It is expected to be operational next year.