French grid operator RTE has started export cable installation works for the 480MW Saint-Nazaire offshore wind project off France, in the Atlantic Ocean.
Activity has included fitting the cable with buoys before unwinding and submerging at the entrance of the cable sheath, with the support of the divers from Atlantique Scaphandre.
Meanwhile onshore a winch pulled the cable to a point at the top of the beach.
Around 100 people have been mobilised at sea and on land for the operation.
Saint-Nazaire, which is being developed by EDF Renewables in the Atlantic Sea, will be the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm installed in French waters when it comes online in 2022.
The project is located 12-20km offshore in water depths of up to 25 metres.
Jan De Nul will carry out transportation and installation of the project’s 80 turbines.
Sif is producing the project’s monopile foundations.
