Marine survey work to assess additional Shetland HVDC Link 2 landfall location

The work will take place in waters within St Magnus Bay, around Minn Islesburgh and close to Mavis Grind. It will be carried out by vessels already operating in the area including the Viking Reach and Northern Maria.

While landfall options to the south around Mavis Grind were previously considered but not progressed due to engineering constraints, the newly identified area may provide a more suitable alternative.  The survey work will gather detailed seabed and coastal data to inform ongoing project design, and a Notice to Mariners will be issued, outlining vessel movements and timings.

The activity forms part of a wider programme of marine and onshore studies to help determine the route and most suitable landfall location for the proposed subsea cable, which would provide a second High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) connection between Shetland and the Scottish mainland.

Recent assessments have highlighted the challenges associated with some previously identified potential landfall locations, including Wethersta which is no longer being considered as an option.  No final decisions have been made on the marine cable route or landfall location, with Braewick and Yell Sound remaining under consideration, in addition to Minn Islesburgh.

From the landfall location, the HVDC cable would be installed entirely underground, connecting to the proposed Northern Hub in northern mainland Shetland.

In the coming weeks we will announce dates for a new round of consultation events where cable landfall options will be presented, along with updated proposals for the Northern Hub.

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

“Extending our marine survey work in this area is an important step in identifying the most suitable landfall location for the Shetland HVDC Link 2.

By gathering detailed information on seabed and coastal conditions, we can better inform the design of the project and help minimise potential impacts on local communities and the environment.

We recognise the importance of this work to those who live and work in the area and will continue to engage with local communities and marine stakeholders as survey work progresses. We will soon announce consultation dates where people can view current cable landfall options and meet with the project team. Public feedback is a vital part of helping to shape our proposals, and we thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views, as we continue to gather evidence to better inform our marine and onshore assessments.”