Improving Cable Protection for Offshore Wind (CPS2)

WHY

Offshore wind farms are experiencing unexpected wear and damage to subsea power cables and cable protection systems (CPS), particularly where they rest on scour protection near monopile foundations. These failures often occur well before the intended design life, resulting in significant costs, cable downtime, and reduced reliability. Current design approaches frequently overlook the influence of complex environmental forces introduces by waves and currents, which can cause dynamic cable movement and subsequent degradation.

This Cable Protection Systems (CPS2) project builds on previous research initiatives, including JIP HaSPRo, CALM, Cable 1 & 2, CPS1, Rock Bag 2, HYROC, and the Offshore Wind Accelerator. Building on these foundations, CPS2 adopts a holistic, system-level approach that examines how cables, protection systems, stabilisation measures (e.g. rock berms), scour protection, and hydrodynamic loads interact.

WHAT

The project will provide integrated design insights aimed at reducing cable failure risks and improving system reliability. The CPS2 project focuses on enhancing the design of cables and there protection systems at offshore foundations, with the goal of minimising movement, reducing wear and preventing failure. The project seeks to develop effective solutions that reduce the need for costly inspections, interventions, and repairs. These solutions will inform updated industry guidelines and contribute to the development of design procedures suitable for automation and predictive maintenance.

The project begins with a system definition phase to map all components and their interrelationships. It then progresses through three technical tracks:

1. Hydrodynamic loads and structural response of cables and CPS near foundations.
2. Hydraulic performance of rock berm stabilisation.
3. Geotechnical stability of cable stabilisation systems.

Physical model testing and numerical modelling support all three tracks, enabling the development of validated system-level schematisations and a structured workflow for designing reliable cable protection strategies. Throughout the project, industry design procedures are assessed in collaboration with DNV and other partners. Outcomes are translated into improved design methodologies and guidelines recommendations to enable more reliable and cost-efficient cable and CPS systems.

EXPECTED RESULTS

This CPS2 project will deliver validated design methods and workflows for optimising cable and cable protection systems at offshore wind foundations. Key outputs include experimental datasets, deformation and damage models, and subsystem insights covering hydrodynamic, hydraulic, and geotechnical behaviour. These elements are integrated into a system-level design guideline endorsed by the certifier. The results will support engineers in selecting and designing stabilisation methods such as rock berms, assessing risks, and enhancing reliability.

CPS2 contributes to the Dutch Multi-year Mission-driven Innovation Programmes (MMIP - Theme 1.1) by enabling safer, smarter, and more cost-efficient offshore infrastructure. This includes reducing the need for human intervention, improving the predictability of system performance, and minimising unplanned outages. The findings are also partly transferable to other foundation types and floating offshore systems.