Marine survey work to assess potential landfall for proposed Shetland 2 HVDC Link

30 March 2026

SSEN Transmission is set to begin nearshore marine survey work off the north‑west coast of Shetland, as part of ongoing studies to inform the development of the proposed Shetland 2 High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link.

The nearshore surveys, which will begin in the coming weeks, will gather detailed information on seabed and coastal conditions near Braewick, which has been identified as one of the potential landfall location for the subsea cable. This would link the coast via underground cable route to the proposed Northern Substation Hub, located in northern mainland Shetland.

We have engaged with marine users and stakeholders ahead of the survey work, and a Notice to Mariners will be issued to provide details of vessel activity and timings in relation to the nearshore work at Braewick. It is part of a wider programme of marine survey activity to help inform the final design, route and landfall location for the proposed subsea cable.

The activity forms part of the early design phase of the Shetland 2 HVDC Link, which would provide a second HVDC connection between Shetland and the Scottish mainland. Should plans progress, the investment will deliver a significant boost to the Shetland economy, supporting local jobs and supply chains, alongside wider socio-economic benefits, while strengthening long‑term energy security for the islands.

Public information events held last year gave local communities and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on potential landfall locations. While the potential landfall near Braewick was identified more recently and was therefore not included in earlier events, we will carry out a further round of public consultation later this year once survey work has concluded.

David Inge, Development Portfolio Manager from SSEN Transmission, said:

“Marine surveys are an important early step in assessing potential landfall locations for the subsea cable, and the upcoming work off the coast at Braewick will help us better understand the area’s suitability.

We would like to again thank everyone who attended and provided feedback at the consultation events held in 2025, and we look forward to continued engagement with local communities and stakeholders as we progress and shape our proposals.”