Helix Robotics Solutions, the robotics division of Helix Energy Solutions Group, , has been awarded a contract by SSEN Transmission to provide Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) target investigation services for the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) offshore subsea cable project. The contract is expected to last 125 days and is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025.
Under the contract, Helix expects to utilize the Glomar Wave DP2 subsea support vessel, a work-class remotely operated vehicle, and our in-house Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to conduct UXO identification along an 80-meter corridor. Our target investigation services are intended to reduce the risk of UXO being on the cable route to As Low As Reasonably Practicable standards prior to the start of cable installation.
Andrew Woollven, EOD Capability Director at Helix Robotics Solutions, stated, “We are proud to be awarded this contract, which highlights our significant UXO and EOD expertise. This project strengthens Helix’s role in offshore site preparation services and underscores our commitment to delivering advanced risk mitigation solutions to the renewable energy sector.”
EGL2 is a collaboration between SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission and forms a key part of the UK’s effort to deliver on its energy security and net zero targets. The EGL2 project is expected to see the installation of a new 2GW high-voltage direct current subsea and onshore underground cable link from Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to Drax in North Yorkshire, England. The delivery of this project, alongside other subsea and onshore electricity transmission grid upgrades, will increase the capacity of the UK’s transmission network, taking clean energy from where it is generated to where it is needed.