Offshore Renewable Energy Cable Systems

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Offshore Renewable Energy Cable Systems

Fibron is a specialist cable system supplier for organisations developing new ways to capture, distribute and use renewable energy offshore. We work with technology developers, equipment manufacturers, research organisations, test centres, operators and contractors to design, manufacture, terminate, test and qualify bespoke cables and bespoke umbilicals for demanding marine environments.

Fibron began supplying the renewable energy sector in 2011. Since then, we have supplied cable and umbilical solutions for wave energy, tidal energy, floating offshore wind energy, floating solar energy and charging stations for electric boats. We also support wider energy-transition projects, including carbon capture and storage, offshore power distribution and the electrification of aquaculture and offshore energy assets.

Built for prototype development and design iteration

Many renewable energy capture systems begin with a requirement that has never existed before. Loads may still be evolving, interfaces may not be finalised and the route from demonstrator to commercial deployment may require several design iterations. This is where Fibron’s combination of engineering expertise and flexible manufacturing capability provides particular value.

We welcome involvement at concept and prototype stage, when cable architecture, terminations, connectors, deployment equipment and protection methods can still be optimised as one system. Fibron can manufacture one-offs, short lengths, demonstrators and qualification samples, then use the results of analysis and testing to refine the design before production. This allows developers to investigate technical risk without having to commit immediately to high-volume manufacture.

Our experience is not limited to renewables. Skills developed in offshore energy, ROV systems, defence, diving, ocean research, seismic and aquaculture are directly transferable to emerging renewable technologies. These include dynamic umbilical design, electro-optical integration, hydraulic services, load-bearing armouring, pressure and abrasion resistance, mechanical termination design, reeling and deployment engineering, and qualification for harsh subsea duty.

A complete cable-system scope

Fibron does much more than supply a length of cable. We act as a cable system supplier, considering the interfaces and equipment that determine how the complete assembly will perform during transport, installation, operation, maintenance and recovery.

Depending on the project, our scope can include the cable or umbilical, armouring, connectors, mechanical and electrical terminations, an umbilical termination assembly (UTA), junction boxes, distribution systems, bend stiffeners or restrictors, pull-in heads, hang-offs, buoyancy or ballast, cable protection systems and installation reels. We can also support dynamic analysis, on-bottom stability assessment, reel design and advice on deployment methods.

Early engagement reduces the risk of solving one part of the system while creating a problem elsewhere. The cable cross-section must work with the termination; the termination must transfer load correctly; the bend protection must suit the local stiffness; and the reel, sheaves, winch or reeler must respect the cable’s handling limits. By considering these relationships during design, Fibron helps customers develop a practical, manufacturable and deployable solution.

Dynamic and static cable-system design

Dynamic cables and umbilicals for wave, tidal, floating wind and floating solar applications may be exposed to repeated bending, changing tension, torsion, cyclic motion, abrasion and hydrodynamic loading. Their design must account for the movement of the generating device or floating structure as well as currents, waves, water depth, installation route and seabed interface.

Fibron’s design process can consider electrical load, conductor configuration, signal and data requirements, fibre optics, hydraulic or fluid services, tensile strength, torque, minimum bend radius, bend stiffness, weight in air and water, buoyancy, armour, sheath materials and environmental exposure. Dynamic analysis can then be used to assess parameters such as tension, curvature, fatigue demand, touchdown behaviour and potential interference, helping to define the cable configuration and associated protection or buoyancy package.

Static cables and umbilicals may experience less operational movement, but they still require careful engineering for long-term immersion, hydrostatic pressure, seabed contact, abrasion, crushing, installation loads and external damage. Fibron can advise on armouring, on-bottom stability, local seabed conditions, routing, burial or secondary protection, and the most appropriate cable protection system for the project.

Connectors and terminations are incorporated into this process rather than treated as an afterthought. Fibron can help define electrical, optical, hydraulic and mechanical interfaces, load transfer, sealing, bend transition, mounting and access requirements. We can also advise on reel dimensions, handling loads, overboarding arrangements and deployment constraints so that the delivered system is compatible with the intended vessel, platform or installation method.

Products and services for offshore renewables

Fibron’s renewable energy products include dynamic cables and umbilicals, static cables and umbilicals, bespoke armouring, connectors, terminations and UTAs. Systems can combine power, control, signal, data, video, fibre optics, hydraulics, pneumatics, cooling or other fluid services within a single engineered construction.

Our services include cable and umbilical design, dynamic analysis, project management, prototype manufacture, testing and certification support, and technical advice covering installation, seabed stability, cable protection, distribution methods, reels and handling systems. For larger or more complex contracts, a dedicated project manager can coordinate design reviews, procurement, manufacture, inspection, testing, documentation and delivery through a single point of contact.

Testing, qualification and third-party assurance

Performance must be demonstrated as well as designed. Fibron can develop project-specific qualification and factory acceptance programmes for cables, umbilicals and terminated assemblies. Depending on the application, testing may include reeling and unreeling, cyclic bend or fatigue testing, tensile and break-load testing, crush or clamp testing, bend-stiffness measurement, electrical verification and optical continuity or attenuation testing.

We can work to stringent customer and third-party test regimes, including project-specific requirements. Inspection and test plans, test procedures, witness points, factory acceptance records and manufacturing record books can be prepared to support testing and certification. Because design, manufacture, termination and testing can be coordinated together, findings can be fed back quickly into the product design.

Applications across renewable energy and electrification

Wave energy

Dynamic power, control and monitoring umbilicals for wave energy converters, test devices and arrays, including data, fibre-optic, hydraulic and auxiliary services where required.

Tidal energy

Bespoke cable systems for tidal turbines and other tide energy devices, designed around strong-current environments, cyclic motion, power export, control, monitoring and subsea connection requirements.

Floating offshore wind energy

Dynamic and static cables and umbilicals for floating turbines, offshore substations, monitoring systems, auxiliary services and interconnection with seabed or distribution infrastructure.

Floating solar energy

Flexible power and communications links for floating solar arrays, including dynamic sections, monitoring circuits and connection to shore, offshore facilities or local distribution systems.

Carbon capture and storage

Multifunctional cables and umbilicals supporting power, control, communications and monitoring for offshore carbon capture and storage infrastructure.

Offshore electrification

Cable systems for bringing renewable power to aquaculture facilities and offshore energy assets, including electrification for aquaculture and electrification for oil rigs, platforms and associated subsea equipment.

Electric boat charging systems

Bespoke, flexible charging cables and connection systems for electric boats operating from marinas, floating structures, offshore facilities or dedicated charging stations.

Offshore power distribution

Cables, jumpers, connectors, terminations, junction boxes and distribution assemblies for connecting multiple devices, routing power and data, and creating scalable offshore networks.

A global specialist for pioneering projects

Fibron is a global company serving an international customer base, with products supplied for projects on every continent. Whether the requirement is an early prototype, a short qualification length, a one-off terminated assembly or a complete cable system for commercial deployment, our team can provide the technical depth, manufacturing flexibility and project support needed to move an offshore renewable energy concept forward.

Involve Fibron early. By working alongside your engineering team from the design stage, we can help turn an evolving cable requirement into a tested, deployable and reliable system.

Offshore Renewables & Emerging Applications FAQs

Answers to common questions about bespoke cables and umbilicals for offshore renewables, aquaculture, subsea equipment and other emerging or specialist applications.

Offshore renewable systems can require cables and umbilicals for equipment power, control, communications, monitoring, fibre-optic data, hydraulic adjustment and fluid transfer. Applications include offshore wind, tidal turbines, wave-energy converters and floating solar systems.

Fibron’s role is particularly relevant where several functions need to be integrated into a bespoke, compact or dynamically rated construction.

Yes. Dynamic constructions can be developed for equipment that moves with waves, tides or platform motion. The design must consider cyclic bending, tension, torsion, fatigue, buoyancy, minimum bend radius, component movement and the interfaces at each end.

The operating motion and load spectrum should be defined as early as possible so that the mechanical design and qualification programme are representative.

Offshore aquaculture systems can require medium-voltage power, lower-voltage distribution, communications, fibre-optic data, camera links, lighting circuits and hoses for feeding or other services. A multi-service umbilical can combine several of these functions in one protected connection between the shore, platform, cage or supporting equipment.

Prototype and demonstrator lengths can also be developed for new aquaculture technology.

A hull-cleaning umbilical may provide electrical power, vehicle control, data, video, navigation signals and hydraulic power for brushes, water jets or other cleaning tools. It can also include larger hoses for water or debris-management systems.

The construction needs to balance flow capacity and power transmission with flexibility, weight, drag and manoeuvrability around the vessel hull.

Subsea mining systems may require high-power electrical transmission, vehicle or machine control, fibre-optic communications, hydraulic power, cameras, instrumentation, environmental monitoring and emergency-shutdown functions. Umbilicals can support mining ROVs, pumps, cutters, dredging equipment and subsea processing or monitoring stations.

The final design depends heavily on the machine load, deployment depth, seabed environment and operating cycle.

Yes. An aerostat tether can provide the mechanical anchoring function while also incorporating power, communications, video or fibre-optic data. A tethered-drone cable can provide continuous power and a secure data link while restraining the aircraft within its required operating area.

Weight, wind loading, tensile performance, conductor size and flexing behaviour are central design considerations.

Yes. Many Fibron products are project-specific and do not fit neatly into an established product category. Previous specialist fields have included subsea tunnel construction, offshore pile drilling, nuclear applications, polar research, underwater mapping and industrial cleaning.

The best starting point is a functional description of what the cable must transfer, where it will operate and what mechanical or environmental loads it must withstand.

Yes. Fibron manufactures bespoke subsea power cables and hybrid constructions that combine power with control, signal or fibre-optic elements. Designs can be developed for ROVs, research systems, offshore energy, renewable equipment, aquaculture and other subsea machinery.

Voltage, current, length, thermal conditions, installation method, mechanical load and qualification requirements determine whether a proposed construction is technically and commercially suitable.

Fibron doesn’t have a quayside manufacturing facility. Therefore, the longer high voltage export- or inter-array-cables may not be within the scope of what Fibron can offer. All enquiries are welcome, however, and Fibron’s expert team will soon let you know if a project looks too big for the factory.

Here to help

If you need an umbilical or cable and can’t immediately see what you’re looking for, please do get in touch. Most of our work is bespoke to the needs of a particular project, so we can’t show all of our capabilities on our website. As experts in our field, if you need a cable or umbilical, particularly for use in a challenging environment like offshore, there’s a good chance that we’ll be able to help.