SSEN Transmission signs long-term framework agreement with Sumitomo Electric and Van Oord to support future subsea network delivery

09 July 2026

• Agreement demonstrates economic opportunities of grid investment for Scotland  
• Provides long-term supply chain certainty to support critical electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland. 

We have signed a long-term framework agreement with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Van Oord Offshore Wind UK Ltd for the engineering, supply, transport and installation of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea cable systems, supporting the continued expansion and reinforcement of the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland. 
 
The agreement is intended to support the delivery of future strategic subsea transmission reinforcements, including the proposed Shetland 2 HVDC link, the anchor project supporting Sumitomo Electric’s investment in its new cable manufacturing facility at Nigg in the Highlands. 
 
The framework brings together Sumitomo Electric’s expertise in the manufacture and supply of HVDC cable systems with Van Oord’s extensive offshore transport and installation capabilities, creating a long-term partnership positioned to support the delivery of critical energy infrastructure as Scotland and the UK continue their transition to a cleaner, more secure energy system. 
 
As the electricity transmission owner for the north of Scotland, we are leading a significant programme of investment to connect homegrown low carbon generation, strengthening energy security and enabling the delivery of clean and affordable power to homes and businesses across Great Britain. Subsea HVDC links will play an increasingly important role in that programme, providing the capacity needed to transport large volumes of renewable electricity over long distances efficiently and reliably.

Image: From left - Jeroen Kwakernaak, Director, Van Oord Offshore Energy; Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery, SSEN Transmission; Yasuyuki Shibata, Senior Executive Officer, Sumitomo Electric. 

The framework agreement reflects our strategic approach to supply chain engagement, providing greater long-term visibility for delivery partners and supporting investment in skills, manufacturing capability and innovation. 
 
The agreement also strengthens Scotland’s growing position as a centre of excellence for subsea transmission infrastructure. Sumitomo Electric’s investment in its new cable manufacturing facility at Nigg, which was supported by the anticipated demand for future transmission projects, is helping establish domestic HVDC cable manufacturing capability in the UK for the first time and creating significant economic opportunities for the Highlands. 

Sumitomo’s investment at Nigg demonstrates the wider economic value that taking a long term, strategic approach to planning the future electricity system provides in terms of supply chain investment in new facilities and the significant economic and job opportunities this unlocks. 

Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: 

“Last month, SSEN Transmission published a landmark report – Re-energising the North: Transforming Scotland – which demonstrated the major economic opportunities of investing in the grid to build national energy security and achieve the country’s clean power ambitions. In the north of Scotland alone, our planned five-year investment programme stands to support up to 10,000 high-quality jobs, and 24,000 across Scotland. 

"The framework agreement with Sumitomo Electric and Van Oord is a significant part of turning this great potential into reality. It provides a strong foundation for long-term collaboration and supports our ambitions to deliver the critical subsea infrastructure needed across the north of Scotland in the years ahead. 
 
"By providing greater certainty and visibility over future opportunities, we are helping create the conditions for inward investment in skills, manufacturing capability and innovation, while ensuring we have access to the specialist expertise required to deliver major projects safely, efficiently and responsibly." 

Masaki Shirayama, Managing Director of Sumitomo Electric, said:

"This Framework Agreement marks an important milestone in the strategic partnership between SSEN Transmission and Sumitomo Electric. Building on more than 100 years of expertise in subsea cable technology, we are proud to contribute to the successful delivery of the Shetland 2 link. 

“Our Scotland factory at the Port of Nigg, together with our Business and EPC projects Centre of Excellence in Glasgow, demonstrates our long-term commitment to investing in local engineering capability, creating high-value skilled jobs, and strengthening resilient supply chains across Scotland and the UK. 

“Through this Framework Agreement, we look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with SSE Group in the HVDC sector and supporting Scotland's and the UK's transition to a secure, resilient and low-carbon energy system.” 

Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord, said:

“The signing of the Framework Agreement is an important milestone for Van Oord in the offshore HVDC market and marks the start of a long-term collaboration with Sumitomo Electric in offshore transmission. It also reflects our deep commitment to the UK, where we have been active for more than a century, including through our long-standing work with several Government Agencies. 
 
“By combining our complementary expertise, we are well positioned to support the delivery of this critical infrastructure and the efficient transmission of renewable electricity into the wider UK energy system. Through our UK organisation and local supply chain, we are committed to delivering projects in a way that creates lasting value for the regions where we operate.” 

Under the framework agreement, Sumitomo Electric will provide engineering, procurement and supply services for HVDC cable systems, while Van Oord will be responsible for offshore transport and installation activities. The arrangement is designed to support a range of future subsea transmission opportunities across our investment programme, with the proposed Shetland 2 project representing one of the first potential projects to be progressed under the agreement.