wiredInUSA November 2016

Island work gets underway

The Isaac Newton , the ship that will install two new electrical cables under the Northumberland Strait between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, is currently berthed in Charlottetown harbor and will begin work shortly. The Isaac Newton , with its crew of 75, can carry up to 10,500 tonnes of cable. The PEI-New Brunswick project will use 3,500 tonnes. “For cable installation itself, we’re estimating about two and a half to three weeks,” said Captain Stefan Van de Moortele. “Afterwards we also have to ensurethat thecable isproperlyprotected, and [it] can take up to four to six weeks to

bury the cable in a decent manner so that it’s protected against the environment for the next coming decades.” The new cables are needed as the old cables, installed four decades ago, are at the end of their lifespan. Maritime Electric says the installation should be completed by the end of 2016.

wiredInUSA - November 2016

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