Expert Interview

Ton Geul, Business Development Manager at VSMC bv in the Netherlands will present on Cost
saving opportunities for offshore cable installation processes at this years 3rd International Conference Offshore Cabling 2014. For IQPC, he explored the issue of missing- and country specific
regulations for offshore cable installation processes. Read the full interview here!
IQPC: What is the situation regarding state-of-art requirements for offshore power cable
installation processes? What
sort of regulations is the industry still missing?
Ton Geul: There are hardly any
common or uniform industry requirements for
cable installations. There are several areas which
need clarity, such as:

Uniform guidelines for Marine Warranty Surveyors

Uniform general guidelines for submarine
power cables (under development by Certification Authorities)
A more dynamic cable protection approach by
introduction of Cable Protection Index

IQPC: In how far are there differences in implementing offshore cabling installation processes between countries within Europe (e.g.
regulations, approach to technologies, R&D,
testing)?
Ton Geul: The main differences between countries can be defined in allowance of different burial techniques in areas of similar soil conditions. For
example in the UK, the use of plough for export
cables is required and in Germany for similar conditions it is forbidden. Same reason, environmental impact!
IQPC: Which current developments and solutions for offshore power cable installation processes have the most potential, from your point
of view?
Ton Geul: The introduction and acceptance to use
Cable Protection Index may have potential to optimise the cable installation process.

IQPC: What part of the offshore cabling processes is mostly affected by innovations (e.g.
survey strategies, cable laying machines, cable
technologies?
Ton Geul: There is not a real area of innovations,
other than how to connect inter array cables to
windfarms and areas where damaged cables can
be quickly replaced by new ones. It is also a matter of strategy, where to put monies in the process,
Capex or Opex.
IQPC: Can you give me a statement regarding
challenges within offshore power cable installation that are still not solved yet and your personal outlook on futures trends for solutions?
Ton Geul: Cables are the physical interfaces between structures such as Wind Turbines and grid
connections. There is still not enough focus on the
engineering and operational part of these interfaces calling for timely involvement of the cabling
installation in projects. Further improvements in
this process are still very much needed.
IQPC: Thank you for the interview!
About Ton Geul:
Ton Geul has long experience in the maritime industry commencing at sea, first with the merchant navy and thereafter
in the offshore construction industry and over last decades in
maritime contracting including offshore Renewables. Starting
his carrier at sea almost half a century ago from very junior
through the ranks of deck officer up to master mariner of several types of offshore construction vessels engaged in the Oil
& Gas business. In the late 80s he moved to an office function,
holding several operational and commercial positions up to
project manager and is now holding the position of Business
Development Manager with VSMC, a company specialised
in installation of submarine power cables. Ton Geul was very
much involved in the launch and establishment of VSMC 10
years ago, when the renewable industry started to develop in
NW Europe. Today VSMC can be considered as a global player
and one of the leading submarine power cables installation
contractors.

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