The Western Isles HVDC Link is a crucial project that will strengthen the UK’s electricity network and unlock renewable energy potential for generations to come. Beyond expanding capacity, it will enable the efficient transmission of clean power from the Western Isles, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future.

The new HVDC link will consist of approximately 83km of underground cable and 81km of subsea cable, connecting SSEN Transmission’s Lewis Hub HVDC converter station and AC substation on the Isle of Lewis to the mainland. To support this, Fugro is combining geophysical mapping with geotechnical boreholes to build a detailed understanding of the seabed and coastline. The compact ARAN® 250 specialist jack-up platform – which operates in shallow waters – is delivering this work. As part of this investigation, operations have been organised to be as minimally invasive as possible. Borehole locations have been carefully identified, supported by geophysical data, to avoid unnecessary drilling and take account of environmental considerations.

Investigations include drilling and testing at several potential landfall locations located near Arnish Point in Lewis and Dundonnell on the Scottish mainland. Soil samples will undergo advanced analysis at Fugro’s Wallingford laboratory, turning complex ground data into actionable insights that help inform project plans. With survey work at Arnish Point now complete, the ARAN® 250 has moved to Dundonnell where it is expected to complete its operations in February, weather permitting.

Niall MacLeod, Project Director for SSEN Transmission, said: “We welcome Fugro’s progress in delivering nearshore surveys for our Western Isles HVDC Link, which will connect the Western Isles to the GB Transmission network for the first time. These surveys are another step forward in progressing the project. We’d like to thank everyone who had contributed to the marine consultation events that have helped inform our potential cable landfall sites for the project, which this survey work is helping to progress.”

Matthew Chappell, Fugro’s Regional Service Line Director for Nearshore said “Our integrated approach, combining specialist platforms, expert teams, and advanced laboratory analysis, will give SSEN Transmission the reliable Geo-data needed to make informed engineering decisions and help deliver clean, secure energy to communities across the UK safely and sustainably.”