Hellenic Cables and Jan De Nul have entered a significant preliminary agreement with the National Grid to facilitate advanced HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) cable systems across the United Kingdom and Europe. Signed on March 17, 2025, the agreement sets the stage for the companies to participate in upcoming tenders for comprehensive offshore projects, highlighting their commitment to pivotal electrical interconnection initiatives.
The agreement, which has an initial duration of five years with the option for a three-year extension, forms one of the foundational pillars of the National Grid’s strategy. It aims to develop long-term partnerships with leading companies to secure the successful implementation of key energy projects within the UK. The urgency of this collaboration stems from the UK government's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, which necessitates substantial upgrades to the country's electricity grid to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind power.
The strategic partnership not only emphasizes enhancing grid reliability but also facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources. This collaborative effort is positioned as instrumental for the medium-term energy security of the UK, ensuring the energy transition progresses effectively.
Under the framework agreement, Hellenic Cables and Jan De Nul will engage with turnkey projects—managing every aspect from design to installation of the HVDC cable systems. Hellenic Cables is spearheading enhancements to its production capabilities, particularly through strategic investments at its facilities located in Corinth and Thiva. These improvements affirm the company’s ability to meet the demands of future energy transition projects.
Adding to this investment, Jan De Nul is deploying two new generation vessels, the Fleeming Jenkin and William Thomson, which each boast unparalleled transport capacities of 28,000 tons. This will significantly expedite the construction of submarine interconnections using HVDC cables, fundamental to National Grid’s portfolio of upgrading projects.
Kostas Savvakis, General Manager of Hellenic Cables, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, "The signing of this agreement is a milestone for us, reinforcing our commitment to support the UK’s transition to a more sustainable energy era. We pride ourselves on being part of this major framework agreement, providing top-tier HVDC cable solutions." His words reflect the enthusiasm and investment Hellenic Cables is placing on this partnership.
Wouter Vermeersch, Director of Submarine Cables at Jan De Nul, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic importance of the collaboration: "Our collaboration with the National Grid, under this framework agreement, strengthens our role as pioneers in shaping the energy landscapes of tomorrow. We are committed to providing these critically needed electric power interconnections." Their remarks signify confidence and ambition as the team looks to the future of energy transitions across Europe.
The preliminary agreement serves as much more than just another contract; it embodies the combined aspirations of the three companies to address pressing energy challenges and contribute to sustainable practices within energy infrastructure. With the increasing demand for renewable energy and the need to phase out fossil fuels, this collaboration is particularly timely.
The national goal to reach Net Zero by 2050 underlines the necessity of investing and enhancing electrical grid infrastructures, which are increasingly recognized as the backbone of the UK’s energy future. This significant initiative exemplifies how strategic partnerships between leading firms like Hellenic Cables and Jan De Nul, when combined with the operational backbone of the National Grid, can shape not just the energy supply chain but also the very fabric of energy security and accessibility.
Through this newly-formed alliance, Hellenic Cables and Jan De Nul are poised to significantly impact energy transition initiatives, allowing the strengthening of European energy infrastructure. The partnership will forge pathways toward innovative solutions necessary to meet the demands of the clean energy sector.
Overall, this agreement heralds the dawn of new opportunities within the energy market, where traditional practices must adapt to meet contemporary environmental expectations. By focusing on reliable and sustainable energy solutions, this partnership reinforces the collective responsibility of industry players to contribute meaningfully to our changing world.
