The 110 kV XLPE submarine cable from NKT A/ S - steel-armored workhorse for offshore wind
27.06.2026 - 04:00:33 | ad-hoc-news.de
Reviewed: ad hoc news B2B & Pro desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-27, 03:59. Details in the imprint.
The 110 kV XLPE submarine cable from NKT A/S disappears into grey North Sea waves, steel armor rubbing slightly as it slides over the deck chute before vanishing below the surface. On board, project manager Anders Jensen watches a tension gauge instead of the horizon.
What this cable is for
This 110 kV XLPE submarine cable is designed for three-phase power transmission between offshore installations and coastal substations, or between turbines and offshore hubs in near-shore wind parks. It targets water depths and distances where medium-voltage export and inter-array links are sufficient.
NKT focuses this product line on European offshore wind and coastal grid projects, bundling the conductor, insulation, armor and sheath into a single turnkey delivery with engineered route design and jointing services. It sits below NKT's high-voltage export cables but above simple low-voltage harbor connections.
How it is built
Inside the 110 kV XLPE submarine cable sits a compact stranded copper or aluminum conductor surrounded by cross-linked polyethylene insulation and a metallic water barrier, all wrapped in bedding and helically wound steel wires for mechanical protection. The outer polymer sheath seals the package against seawater and seabed abrasion.
The XLPE insulation allows continuous operation at 110 kV with controlled partial discharge levels and thermal performance suitable for burial in seabed trenches, where backfill and sediment raise operating temperatures. Each cable length is manufactured and tested to project-specific standards before shipping on heavy-lift drums.
Background on NKT A/S shares
Submarine and land cables like the 110 kV XLPE line are central to NKT A/S' project portfolio and influence order intake and earnings over multi-year installation cycles.
Installation and everyday use
On a cable-laying vessel, technicians feel the subtle vibration of the 110 kV XLPE submarine cable through the steel deck as kilometers of cable move over rollers and into the sea. The tactile feedback tells them whether tension and bending are within safe limits during laying.
NKT supports these operations with engineered laying windows, bend-radius limits and route designs that account for sand waves, boulders and shipping lanes. Once buried, the cable is largely invisible, yet it becomes part of everyday grid operation for transmission system operators.
Strengths and trade-offs
The 110 kV XLPE submarine cable offers a practical balance between voltage level, manufacturability and route flexibility for projects that do not require 220 kV or 320 kV high-voltage direct-current links. Its steel armor increases mechanical robustness but makes handling heavier and requires powerful deck equipment.
Compared with land 110 kV cables, the submarine version adds corrosion-resistant armor and specific sheath materials, which lifts cost per kilometer. Project planners weigh these costs against the benefit of routing power lines offshore, where visual impact is lower and wind resources are stronger.
Where it fits in NKT's range
Within NKT's portfolio, the 110 kV XLPE submarine cable sits alongside land-based 110 kV cables and higher-voltage AC and DC submarine products used for long-distance interconnectors and large offshore wind export routes. It serves as a mid-range workhorse for regional connections and near-shore parks.
CEO Alexander Kara has emphasized that medium- and high-voltage cable systems are the backbone of NKT's energy transition offering, with submarine links such as this 110 kV line enabling grid operators to integrate renewable generation at scale while maintaining stability.
Company context and shares
Overall, the 110 kV XLPE submarine cable is one of the building-block products that turn NKT from a component supplier into a full-system partner for utilities and offshore developers, bundling design, manufacturing and installation into long-running contracts. NKT A/S shares (ISIN DK0010287663) are listed in Copenhagen, where the company is part of the local large-cap segment.
Key facts on the 110 kV XLPE submarine cable
- Product: 110 kV XLPE submarine cable
- Manufacturer: NKT A/S
- Category: B2B / Pro medium-voltage submarine power cable
- Launch: Commercially available as part of NKT's 110 kV submarine portfolio in recent European offshore projects
- RRP / Price: Project-specific, typically priced per kilometer and contract, in euros for European grid operators
- Availability: Sold directly by NKT through project tenders and framework agreements to utilities and developers, primarily in Europe
- Target group: Transmission and distribution system operators, offshore wind developers, engineering contractors
- Highlight / USP: Steel-armored 110 kV XLPE design tailored for near-shore submarine routes combining mechanical robustness with grid-grade insulation.
This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.
