The science (and art) of cable handling done right

Bringing engineering insight, proven methodology and practical experience together to protect product integrity across every stage of cable handling.

As the offshore energy sector evolves, one constant remains: the critical importance of safe, efficient cable handling. From the smallest fibre optic cables to large-diameter umbilicals, these powerhouses are the lifelines of energy infrastructure – both traditional and renewable. Preserving their integrity during storage, mobilisation and installation is essential to minimising risk of that lifeline being cut short.

With over 25 years of experience, MDL has built a track record of delivering tailored handling solutions for a range of subsea cables.

Our engineering-led approach ensures that each product, no matter its size, weight or complexity, is managed with care.

Building on experience in oil and gas and subsea infrastructure, MDL applies proven flexible-product handling methodologies to the new challenges of floating offshore wind, where cable and mooring products share similar design and installation characteristics.

The diversity of subsea cables

Across the energy spectrum, each new development will be dependent on a unique mix of products, each with its own challenges:

• Fibre optics - lightweight yet delicate, these cables safeguard vital data transmission and control. Their small size makes them vulnerable to bending or crushing if mishandled.
• Power cables - from export to inter-array, often with pre-installed terminations, these demand strict bend-radius control and robust protection throughout transpooling, mobilisation and lay.
• Umbilicals - heavy-duty products carrying power and controls to offshore assets. Their large diameters and weight require high-capacity equipment for handling fore and aft.

Each cable type demands an optimal handling solution. A “one size fits all” approach can lead to costly damage, delays and risks to product integrity.

At MDL, a project begins long before our equipment reaches the quayside. Our in-house engineering team carries out feasibility studies at the earliest stages, identifying the safest and most efficient handling methods for each product: from understanding cable parameters, equipment layouts and port infrastructure, through execution schedules, to optimising vessel deck layouts and defining safes methodology with readily-available assets.

Handling optimisation is at the core of MDL’s expertise. Our carefully designed technology, applied by our projects team who are experienced across a wide range of flexible and semi-rigid products,

onshore and offshore, ensures that the correct handling parameters are established for each cable and environment to reduce risks.

Factors such as water depth, sea-state conditions at the time of installation and surrounding infrastructure are all accounted for to guarantee safe, reliable operations.

This early planning is matched by proven delivery. We have successfully executed large-scale operations that streamline mobilisation and demobilisation, reducing vessel turnaround times while ensuring product integrity is preserved equally onshore as it is during overboarding.

Our modular spreads can be mobilised across a wide range of vessels, from offshore support

to heavy-lift or construction tonnage, giving operators flexibility in vessel choice and reducing reliance on specialist (and therefore costly), highly sought for cable lay vessels.

For vessel owners and designers, MDL’s feasibility studies also provide the technical guidance, deck layout analysis and certification insight needed to expand capability for cable and mooring operations in floating wind.

Engineering support for a long cable life

Besides offshore deployment, MDL expertise around optimised product handling also applies onshore at the different cable preparation stages. Our engineering teams plan and oversee storage, transpooling and vessel load-out activities, designing efficient quayside layouts that maintain full control over product integrity while minimising mobilisation and crane time. This is also an opportunity to perform squeeze and pull tests using the desired lay equipment to identify the optimal installation parameters.

Once offshore, MDL’s portable flex-lay spreads, powered by high-capacity tensioners and reel drive systems deliver controlled deployment, prioritising the integrity of each individual cable type. Additional reassurance comes from our expert technical team who oversee each stage of the operation – and who are further supported by the wider team at HQ through our live audio-visual connectivity.

Supporting the energy transition

While the oil and gas sector continues to drive the subsea cable activity with new installations, replacement and maintenance activities, the energy transition is increasing the demand for cable handling expertise. Reducing the risk of the unknown associated with dynamic cables connecting floating windfarms, MDL helps developers approach these new operations with confidence — applying proven handling principles that protect product integrity.

MDL’s integrated approach has been proven across sectors and geographies – and its applicability extends to subsea communications and interconnectors. By combining decades of flexible product handling expertise with innovative equipment design and creative problem solving, our engineering team helps you deliver on even the most complex cable handling scopes – just get in touch to explore how.