The GridLink Interconnector comprises a nominal 1 400 MW high voltage, direct current (HVDC) electricity link between the UK and France. The overall project comprises 2 subsea HVDC cables and a fibre optic cable connecting to a symmetrical monopole, Voltage source converter (VSC) converter station located at Kingsnorthon the Isle of Grain, Kent in the UK and at Dunkerque, Nord Department, Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region in France. The converter stations are subsequently connected by underground high voltage, alternating current (HVAC) electricity cables to the National Grid Kingsnorth 400 kV sub-station in the UK and RTE Warande 400 kV sub-station in France. The scope of the procurement relates to the engineering, procurement and installation of approximately 150 km of subsea HVDC cable between the converter stations in UK and France.

The scope of the procurement relates to the engineering, procurement and installation, including related seabed intervention and site preparation works, manufacture, supply and installation of cables, third party asset crossings, and post-cable lay restoration, for:

(a) 138 km of submarine 1 400 MW, 525 kV Mass Impregnated (MI) HVDC cable;

(b) 0,2 km of onshore, underground 1 400 MW, 525 kV Mass Impregnated (MI) HVDC cable in UK;

(c) 13 km of onshore, underground 1 400 MW, 525 kV Mass Impregnated (MI) HVDC cable in France;

(d) 5 km of spare submarine 1 400 MW, 525 kV Mass Impregnated (MI) HVDC cable;

(e) shore crossing for the submarine cables by Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) at Kingsnorth in UK; and

(f) shore crossing for the submarine cables by Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) at Dunkerque in France.

The scope of the contract requirements are:

— detailed design,

— engineering,

— procurement,

— manufacture,

— supply,

— transportation,

— seabed intervention and site preparation, including third party asset crossings,

— installation,

— construction,

— testing,

— commissioning,

— operational spares during warranty period,

— interfaces with other suppliers,

— such other works, services and goods that may be necessary for the engineering, procurement and installation, and subsequent commissioning, commercial operation and maintenance of, the HVDC cable,

— spares storage, supply and replenishment (25 years duration),

— fault-finding and cable repair services (10 years duration).