On July 3, power cables destined for offshore wind farms in Germany capsized in international waters about 50 nautical miles southwest of Sardinia, resulting in the loss of EUR 28 million.
Cable manufacturer Prysmian explains that a barge being towed by a tugboat flipped over – causing the barge's cargo and the rotating platform to sink to the ocean floor.
The incident occurred during the transport of cables destined for two offshore wind farms located off the coast of Bremerhaven, Germany. According to Prysmian, the cable was destined for the SylWin1 offshore grid connection, which will connect the 288 MW Butendiek and 210 MW Deutsche Bucht wind farms, when completed. Prysmian and grid operator TenneT say they are working to avoid consequences that may affect the project's timetable.
The crew was not harmed in the incident, and Prysmian notes that "adequate insurance coverage" was in place at the time of the incident. Smit Salvage is currently handling the reclamation of the wreckage, notes the cable provider.
