wiredinUSA August 2019

Americaˊs online magazine for wire and cable

Issue No. 98 - August 2019

www.wiredInUSA.com

America’s online magazine for wire and cable

wiredIn USA

River crossing contract Page 9

Wire company changes hands. Page 10

Steel deal for European assets. Page 27

Shipbuilder delivers a first. Page 33

Quick Reliable Service Always there to help

www.zumbach.com • sales@zumbach.ch

EDITOR

The ‘busiest bridge in the world’ – the George Washington Bridge in New York, USA – is undergoing major renovations to the tune of some $2 billion. This includes repairing and rebuilding key components of the bridge and its approach roads as part of the ‘Restore the George’ program. And as part of this, WireCo WorldGroup has the contract to supply replacement hangers for the bridge – the second time the company has won contracts for major bridge repairs in New York following on from its involvement with the Manhattan Bridge in 2012. The most significant part of the project is the $1.03 billion replacement of 592 vertical cables, known as suspender ropes, which the company is supplying. Full story on page 9. International Wire Group Inc (IWG), headquartered in Camden, New York, has been acquired by Atlas Holdings LLC. IWG, a designer and manufacturer of copper- based wire products, has some 1,600 employees and 17 manufacturing facilities across North America and Europe. Turn to page 10 for full details.

David Bell Editor

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

August 2019 Issue No.98 CONTENTS

06 PAGE

Show Diary 2019

09 PAGE

Making the News Industry news from the USA

26 PAGE

Europe news The latest news from Europe

32 PAGE

Asia & Africa News The latest news from Asia & Africa

38 PAGE

Products, Machines & Technology The latest news from machine industries

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wiredIn USA

© 2019 Intras Limited UK ISSN 2046 - 9497 Publishers of EuroWire and Wire & Cable ASIA magazines

INTRAS OFFICES Europe: 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755

Email: read@wiredinusa.com Website: www.wiredinusa.com

USA: Danbury Corporate Center, 107 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 Email: doug@intras.co.uk

News Editor David Bell david@wiredinusa.com

Features Editor (USA and Europe) Gill Watson Publisher Caroline Sullens

Sales & Marketing (International) Sales Director Jason Smith jason@wiredinusa.com +44 1926 834 684 Accounts Manager Karen Low karen@intras.co.uk

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

Diary Shows & Events 2019

September 18-20 September 2019 wire Southeast Asia Bangkok, Thailand www.wire-southeastasia.com October 1-3 October 2019 wire South America São Paulo, Brazil www.wire-south-america.com

october 21-22 October 2019 Wire & Cable Verona 2019 Conference Verona, Italy www.wirecable19.com september 29 September - 2 October 2019 IWCS 2019 Cable & Connectivity Symposium Charlotte, North Carolina, USA www.iwcs.org november 18-20 November 2019 CRU World Optical Fiber & Cable 2019 North Carolina, USA www.worldopticalfiberconference.com

november 11-13 November 2019 CRU Africa Cable Wire & Tube 2019 Johannesburg, South Africa www.africawirecabletubeconference.com

For more info visit: www.wiredinusa.com/showinfo.php

wiredInUSA - August 2019

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River crossing contract M A K I N G T H E NEWS

WireCo WorldGroup has the contract to supply replacement hangers for the George Washington Bridge. Utilizing its patented High Temperature Socketing material, WireCo is now producing the cables for its second major bridge in NYC. WireCo previously supplied the replacement hangers on the Manhattan Bridge in 2012. Extensive testing has shown the High Temperature Socketing material to be effective in sustaining elevated temperatures for an extended period, without the loss of structural integrity in the event of a fire or accident. Billed as the “busiest bridge in the world”, the George Washington Bridge spans the Hudson River and connects northern Manhattan and Fort Lee, New Jersey.

In a single year over 50 million eastbound vehicles cross the bridge.

The George Washington Bridge was first opened to traffic in 1931 and, at the time of construction, was twice as long as any previous suspension bridge. Major renovations on the bridge over the coming decade will keep the iconic span alive into the next century. The renovations are part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $2 billion Restore the George program, repairing and rebuilding key components of the bridge and its approach roads. The most significant project is the $1.03 billion replacement of 592 vertical cables, known as suspender ropes, which WireCo will supply.

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

Image: Wire Group Holdings Inc

Wire company changes hands

Atlas Holdings LLC has acquired International Wire Group Holdings Inc (IWG), headquartered in Camden, New York. IWG is a designer and manufacturer of copper-based wire products, with over 1,600 employees operating a distribution location and 17 manufacturing facilities across North America and Europe. IWG offerings include bare, silver- plated, nickel-plated and tin-plated copper wire, engineered wire products and high-performance conductors. “IWG is a perfect fit as the newest Atlas

Company,” said Timothy J Fazio, Atlas Holdings co-founder and managing partner. “Our team has spent decades growing and strengthening businesses in the engineered products sector and today we own and operate many global manufacturing and distribution companies.” Atlas has also announced that Gregory J Smith will be IWG’s new president and chief executive officer. Smith succeeds Edwin Flynn, who is stepping down after eight years with the company. Gregory J Smith comes to IWG from Marmon Engineered Wire and Cable.

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Wind and solar acquisition

National Grid has completed its $100 million acquisition of Geronimo Energy, a recognized wind and solar developer in North America. The deal, first announced in March of this year, has now satisfied all regulatory requirements and closing conditions. Geronimo Energy has over 2,200MW of wind and solar energy projects currently under construction or in operation.

A power provider for New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, National Grid has also entered into a joint venture agreement with Washington State Investment Board. The utility contributed about $125 million for a 51 percent controlling share in the joint venture, which will acquire 379MW of wind and solar projects from Geronimo Renewable Infrastructure Partners.

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Global supplier awards

Essex Magnet Wire, a global manufacturer of magnet and winding wire, has received a Bosch Global Supplier award in the raw materials and components category. Essex was one of just five companies in North America to be recognized by Bosch at the annual ceremony. Bosch awarded 47 suppliers from its 43,000, with winners from 15 different countries.

automotive business unit, accepted the award on behalf of the business.

The Beta LaserMike brand has been faithfully serving the wire and cable industry for over 50 years and we have thousands of satisfied customers that rely on our measurement systems every day to improve quality, increase productivity and deliver manufacturing savings. We are committed to your success. Precision Measurement & Control Solutions This is the 16 th time the Bosch Group has rewarded outstanding performance in the manufacture and supply of products and services. The winners included 19 from Germany, five from North America and 14 fromAsia Pacific. Bosch distributed awards in four categories: purchasing of indirect materials, raw materials and components, purchasing of direct materials (broken down by business sector), and innovation.

Josh Fennig, president of Essex Europe, and Xavier Mann, vice president of the

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Precision acquisition

Daburn Electronics, a New Jersey manufacturer of wire, cable, electronic components and power supplies, has announced its acquisition of Precise Circuits, a custom electronics design and manufacturing company. Precise Circuits will now operate as a division of Daburn Electronics and will expand its design and manufacturing operations in Carrollton, Texas.

electronic assemblies,” said Ed Flaherty, Daburn Electronics’ president and chief executive officer, adding that Precise Circuits “has seen rapid growth in recent years, specializing in electronic circuit and wiring harness design and manufacture, [and] has built a reputation for delivering innovative high-temperature ruggedized electronics primarily used in the oil, gas and mining industry.”

“PreciseCircuits adds in-house capabilities to design and manufacture custom

Private wavelength network

Zayo has been selected by a healthcare provider to supply a private wavelength network (W-PDN) to connect multiple locations in New York City. The solution leverages Zayo’s New York metropolitan fiber footprint that already spans more than 2,200 route miles. Zayo’s footprint in the region connects over 1,000 buildings and 50 data centers, and includes key ultra-low latency (ULL) routes. Zayo also operates three zColo

data centers in New York, with more than 100,000 critical square feet.

“Zayo’s solution will provide the capacity and scalability that the customer requires for their mission-critical operations,” said Brad Kilbey, senior vice president of east region at Zayo. “Zayo’s high capacity fiber network and connectivity solutions are well positioned to enable healthcare organizations to meet the demands of this changing healthcare landscape.”

DeWAL PTFE Films and Tapes New solutions for challenging applications

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

Uplifting acquisition

The Fort Wayne-based American Wire Rope and Sling (AWRS) is now under the ownership of Bishop Lifting Products of Texas. AWRS manufactures a variety of products for the rigging industry with 40 employees across its Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Mishawaka sites. “AWRS expands our geographic footprint into the upper midwest area of the country,” explained Harold King, president

of Bishop Lifting Products, adding that “the addition of AWRS enhances our existing capabilities by expanding our overhead crane manufacturing and service capabilities.” Bishop Lifting Products did not specify whether any jobs would be affected by the acquisition.

ECC offers a broad portfolio of customized elastomeric or polyolefin based compounds utilized for medium/high voltage as well as certain low voltage flame retardant applications including: • EPR and Polyolefin Compounds • Elastomeric, Crosslinkable, and Thermoplastic Compounds • Flame Retardant and Halogen Free Compounds • Moisture Crosslinkabe Compounds • Specialty/Custom/FR Masterbatches • Insulation, Jacketing, and Bedding Compounds • ISO 9001 certified manufacturing process ensures quality, efficiency and ultimately customer satisfaction. • Non-carbon black product lines produce super-clean, elastomeric high voltage cable compounds. • Personalized customer service and support to customers worldwide. Wire & Cable Customized Compounds

108 Rado Drive, Naugatuck, CT 06770 USA Tel: +1 203-723-2590 www.ElectricCableCompounds.com

wiredInUSA - August 2019

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Developers of the 800MW Vineyard Wind offshore wind project in the US have been denied a permit for the undersea cables to connect the park tomainlandMassachusetts, and left without a key environmental document. The 84-turbine project secured permits for connection to the regional grid and selected Prysmian SpA to deliver the submarine cable system. However, the Edgartown Conservation Commission has since voted 5-1 to deny the export cables application under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Partners (CIP) and Avangrid Renewables LLC, planned to bury two cables of 400MW each. The commission’s decision was taken due to the expected adverse impact on an area “critical for the protection of marine fisheries, land containing shellfish, storm damage prevention, flood control and protection of wildlife habitat.” Vineyard Wind announced that it had been informed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) that they were not yet prepared to issue a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. “We understand that, as the first commercial scale offshore wind project in the US, the Vineyard Wind project will undergo extraordinary review before receiving approvals,” the developers said. The project has to go through more than 25 federal, state and local approval processes. Vineyard Wind LLC, a 50/50 partnership between Copenhagen Infrastructure

First offshore wind delays

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Tencent and Spectra7 Microsystems, a provider of analog semiconductor products for broadband connectivity, have launched the CRX (Copper Reach Extension) Consortium. The consortium aims to accelerate the adoption of active copper cable products using Spectra7’s technology. Luxshare-ICT and Foxconn Interconnect have also joined the CRX Consortium. The consortium says its initial focus will be on 25G ethernet connections between servers and switches, and is developing a specification for these cables that is expected to be released at the end of this year. Subsequent specifications will be developed for 50G, 100G, 400G and 800G ethernet as well as other evolving protocols. The specifications will cover both NRZ and PAM4 signaling. The initial CRX specification release is planned for fall 2019; CRX consortium members plan to begin mass deployment of cables complying with the CRX specification later this year.

Consortium pushes for active copper cables

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Image: Ideal Networks

Ideal facilities

Ideal Networks has established a new facility in New Jersey to meet the needs of cable installers, IT technicians and distribution partners in North America. Ideal Networks will run management and finance functions from the new site, where the newly appointed vice president of sales for North America, Jim Hunter, will also be based. The facility has been running since 3 rd June and includes customer service and technical support departments, with expert advice and guidance also available from a dedicated training center. In addition, the new premises include a warehouse and distribution center to facilitate the same-day dispatch of data cable and network tester orders for US-based customers.

“To accommodate our growing level of business in North America, we are making significant investments that will ensure our customers and distribution partners receive the best support possible,” said Jim Hunter. “This includes additional technical support, new salespeople, new rep agencies and an exciting new pipeline of products, such as the PoE Pro and NaviTEK IE Profinet tester.” Ideal Networks was acquired from Ideal Industries Inc by CBPE Capital and members of its existing management team. The company has continued to provide its products via distribution partners in EMEA, North America, Latin America and APAC, and has continued to invest in new products for the tester market.

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More tariff proposals

The US Department of Commerce has announced a preliminary determination which could affect solar racking and tracking systems makers, including those who suffered less consequence from earlier rounds of global tariffs on steel and aluminum. The commerce department will now focus on various types of fabricated structural steel parts from Canada, China and Mexico, which together represented $2.2 billion worth of imports into the United States last year. Canadian structural steel was found to have received minimal levels of the kinds of subsidies that are prohibited under international trade rules, and as a result will likely suffer no tariffs.

However, the Department of Commerce has assigned between 30 percent and 177 percent in preliminary subsidy rates to Chinese steel makers, and up to 74 percent to Mexican steel makers. Together, these two nations exported $1.5 billion in structural steel products to the US in 2018. In both cases the highest subsidy rates (177 percent and 74 percent) were reserved for companies that did not respond. While tariff rates have yet to be set, trade authorities have begun to collect deposits on these products when they reach the United States from China and Mexico.

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Image: Google

New cable for Africa

Google is funding a new cable, running from Portugal, down the west coast of the continent to Cape Town in South Africa, and with multiple landing points at countries along the coast. The first branch will land in Nigeria. The undersea cable, Google’s 14 th , will be named Equiano, after the Nigerian author Olaudah Equiano. Equiano was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the 1750s, eventually arriving in London where he became part of the British abolition movement.

cable built to serve the region. It will be the first subsea cable to use optical switching at the fiber-pair level, rather than the traditional approach of wavelength- level switching. “This greatly simplifies the allocation of cable capacity, giving us the flexibility to add and reallocate it in different locations, as needed.” It will be built by Alcatel Submarine Networks and is expected to be operational by 2021. Nigeria andwest Africa are already served by several cables, including the privately owned Main One.

Google says the cable will have 20 times more network capacity than the last

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

EUROPE NEWS

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Image: Liberty Steel

Steel deal for European assets

Liberty Steel has acquired seven steel plants and five service centers from ArcelorMittal SA at a cost of around €740 million. Liberty House has acquired the major integrated steel works at Ostrava in the Czech Republic and Galati in Romania as well as rolling mills at Skopje (North Macedonia), Piombino (Italy), Dudelange (Luxembourg) and two plants near Liege in Belgium. The sites employ over 14,000 people.

across Europe, including construction, infrastructure, automotive, aerospace, energy and industrial equipment. A statement from Liberty Steel, which is part of the London-based GFG Alliance, said the deal “makes Liberty Steel one of the top ten producers globally, excluding China, with a total rolling capacity in excess of 18 million tonnes [and] covering a wide range of finished products.” According to Liberty Steel, this is the largest single transaction undertaken by GFG and brings the Alliance’s worldwide workforce to nearly 30,000 across 30 countries. The firm said it aims to boost sales from these sites by around 50 percent over the next three years.

The five service centers are based in France and Italy.

These operations, with combined rolling capacity of over ten million tonnes per year, supply steel to multiple sectors

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

Another Norwegian record

Latest accreditations for lubricant specialist

Image: Nexans

Image: Metalube

Nexans has completed the final type-test to qualify its 420kV XLPE subsea cable for installation at aworld record depth of 550m. The cable will be used by BKK for its new power connection across the Fensfjorden, a fjord close to Bergen in Norway, which is approximately 8km wide and 526m at its deepest point. The Fensfjorden project forms part of a broader plan by BKK Nett AS to strengthen the electrical grid in Western Norway. The work includes a new 420kV connection between Modalen-Mongstad that will ensure a stable and reliable power supply to over 420,000 residents, businesses and industry facilities throughout the region. This new world record follows a previous record, also set by Nexans, with a 20km 420 kV XLPE cable installed in 390m of water in the fjord of Hjeltefjorden, Norway. Nexans developed and produced the Fensfjorden cable at its Norway facility in Halden. Installation on the bed of the fjord will be performed by Nexans’ cable-laying vessel, C/S Nexans Skagerrak , later in 2019.

Metalube, a UK-based manufacturer of industrial lubricants for drawing non-ferrous wire and tubes, has been awarded ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. The list of internationally recognized accreditations acknowledges Metalube’s continued commitment to improving environmental performance, and ensuring the occupational health and safety of the organization. ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and can be used by any organization. It is based on several quality management principles including customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, process approach, and continual improvement. ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. OHSAS 18001 is a framework for an occupational health and safety management system and is a part of OHSAS 18000.

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Oman transmission

Rebar mill

Minyuan Iron and Steel Group Co Ltd, of China, has ordered a new mill from Danieli. The mill will produce 12mm to 40mm rebar, at speeds up to 240 tons per hour, using 165mm, 2,300kg billet. The equipment to be installed includes four SHS housingless stands followed by two four-pass finishing blocks. Through an advanced multi-strand slit-rolling system, rebar from 12mm to 22mm will be rolled on two strands at finishing speeds higher than 40m per second. An on-line water-cooling system will ensure a final product with ultra- fine grain structure (UFG process). A double high-speed twin channel performing fast discharge of the bars on the cooling bed will complete the supply. China’s Minyuan Iron and Steel Group has ordered a rebar mill from Danieli

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Abengoa has completed the construction of a transmission project in Oman for the Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC). Abengoa developed the construction, supply, assembly and commissioning of two new substations of 132/33kV, one in Samad and one in Sinaw, and over 60km of overhead 132kV transmission lines across the mountainous areas of the interior of Oman. Abengoa has been established in Oman since 2012. This is the second transmission project successfully completed in the country after the Al Dreez substation which, together with the Samad and Sinaw project, is part of the OETC investment plans for strengthening and expanding Oman’s electricity network. The Samad/Sinaw project completed more than two million safe work hours without lost-time Injuries, as corroborated by recognitions awarded by the OETC during the construction phase.

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

Changes afoot for wiring group

Cable technology stays at home

Photo by Nicholas Doherty on Unsplash

Aldo Kamper

Leoni chief executive Aldo Kamper has told Reuters that the company is exploring the sale or flotation of its wire and cables division as part of a broader review of the company’s group structure. Leoni said it will explore a listing or partial sale of its wiring systems division, separating it from the wire and cable solutions business that supplies the healthcare, factory automation, transportation and automotive markets. Leoni is looking to broaden the product range in its wiring systems division to capture a greater share of business from the automotive industry, particularly in energy and data management, and also wants to offer engineering, design and simulation services. Leoni brought in Kamper as its chief executive in September 2018, after cutting its 2018 targets. In March this year Kamper abandoned the company’s 2019 profit targets, announced job cuts, and said the company’s finance chief would be leaving. Citing people close to the companies, Reuters reported in December 2018 that Indian car wiring maker Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd was in talks with Leoni over a possible merger.

Prysmian Group will provide its “Made in France” cable technologies for the first large-scale French offshore wind farm, under development by the French company EDF Renewables with US-based Enbridge. “We are proud to have the opportunity to play our role in the development of such a strategic infrastructure for our country,” said Laurent Tardif, CEO South Europe Prysmian Group, on the occasion of the visit by the EDF Renewables offshore projects team representatives to Prysmian’s centers of excellence in Montereau and Gron. The Montereau facility, with over 1,150 employees, manufactures 800km per year of HV and EHV cables, supplying French and international customers such as EDF Renewables, RTE, Vinci and Elia. The plant specializes in the production of HVAC cables and accessories up to 500kV and HVDC cables and accessories up to 525kV. The Gron center, which employs more than 300 people, manufactures around 1,000km per year of HV and EHV cables up to 500kV.

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New MD

More moves to going green

Guido Hettich and Achim Carstanjen

German screw manufacturer HECO- Schrauben has appointed its new managing director. Achim Carstanjen took over his new role on 1 st July 2019. Carstanjen will work alongside Guido Hettich, the existing MD, while Hettich reduces his working hours and explores new projects. Achim Carstanjen has many years of experience in managing medium- sized companies in the automotive and construction supply industries. “Product quality and business ethics are paramount at HECO. … I am committed to ensuring that this culture continues to be fostered and strengthened as a basis for healthy business growth,” he commented. Guido Hettich joined the family business as second managing director in 2006. His brother Stefan switched from the management board to the advisory board in 2018. Guido Hettich will still be responsible for important projects and the production site in Romania until the end of 2020 and will then join the advisory board as the second representative of the Hettich family shareholders.

German power grid operator TenneT has received the final permit for the 380kV high voltage AC underground cable project Wahle-Mecklar. NKT has been selected as turnkey supplier for the project that supports Germany’s transition to renewable energy. The turnkey project comprises approximately 78km of 380kV AC XLPE high voltage underground cables, cable laying, electrical installation and testing. The cable will be locally manufactured in Germany at the NKT factory in Cologne and the order will be completed by late 2021. “I am pleased to continue our close collaboration with TenneT in the ongoing development of the German power grid to utilize the increasing production of renewable energy,” said Andreas Berthou, executive vice president and head of HV solutions for NKT. The Wahle-Mecklar connection is among the first projects based on the German EnLAG law, aiming to expand the country’s power grid with several 380kV high voltage power connections before 2024. The expansion is based on the need to strengthen the German power grid to support the target of 80 percent renewable energy supply by 2050. TenneT has received the final permit for the underground cable project Wahle-Mecklar

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

ASIA & AFRICA NEWS

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The new cable laying vessel built by Colombo Dockyard for Kokusai Cable Ship Co Ltd

Shipbuilder delivers a first

Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard PLC has delivered its first modern cable laying vessel, built for Kokusai Cable Ship Co Ltd (KCS) Japan. This is the biggest vessel, both in terms of length and price, ever built by Colombo Dockyard. The ship measures 113.1m x 21.5m with an 8.8m depth, and has a maximum load laying draft of approximately 7.1m. It has a deadweight carrying capacity of 5,757 DWT and a speed of 14.5 knots, and can accommodate 80 people. This vessel is intended for subsea installation and repair works of optical and power cables. The forward tank has been fitted with a carousel system with a spooling arm.

ability and station keeping performance. Passive roll reduction tanks help minimize theeffect of ship rolling. The vessel hasmany special features, including low resistance hull lines designed for higher speed and low fuel consumption. The vessel is also eco- friendly, with systems in place to reduce harmful emissions as well as waste storage solutions, water ballast treatment systems, and eco-subsea coating solutions.

Power is provided by four generator sets, producing 2,300kW each.

The basic design and production drawings for the construction were supplied by VARD Designs, of Norway. The vessel has flexible operational capabilities and is built to ClassNK classification society standards, meeting the regulatory requirements of the Japanese government.

The vessel is specially designed and equipped with a focus on sea keeping

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

Taiwan cable deal

Tasmanian power plans

LS Cable and System has won a contract worth $100 million from Orsted. The Korean company said it had agreed with Orsted to supply submarine power cables to offshore wind farms in Changhua, a city in central Taiwan, and put them in place by 2022. Orsted is a Danish energy firm that was established in 1972, with the Danish government holding a 51 percent stake. The Taiwanese government plans to invest around $23 billion to increase the amount of renewable energy generated in the nation, from the current 5 percent of all energy generated there to 20 percent by 2025. Ten offshore wind farms with a combined total capacity of 5.5GW per year are being built in Taiwan. The Changhua wind farm is expected to produce 900MW per year. LS CEO Myung Roe-hyun said: “LS Cable and System has now secured global competitiveness since it first jumped into the submarine power grid business in 2009. We expect continued growth in the industry as offshore wind farms have been growing in Europe and Asia.” Officials at the signing ceremony for the $100 million contract

Chris Gwynne

As the nation moves from coal-fired plants to renewable energy, Tasmanian energy bosses are planning to link the island with the mainland through a series of power transmission cables. The federal government has already committed $56 million to progress a second interconnector cable across the Bass Strait. Chris Gwynne, who leads the Battery of the Nation project, suggests there could eventually be multiple Basslink-style cables. “We’ve done a lot of work, not just on the viability of another cable, to trigger this sort of investment,” he told the Hobart Mercury newspaper, adding that up to five cables could be installed over the next 25 years.

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Power across Africa

Intel approves Taiwan testing

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

Schneider Electric has signed an agreement with EM-One Energy Solutions, a Nigerian sustainable energy engineering company, to help create an African mini-grid industry providing decentralized electricity generation and distribution networks based on renewable energy. Many African cities remain off-grid. With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria comprises 36 states, only one of which has an electricity network. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), West Africa’s energy consumption could quadruple by 2030 to reach 219TWh a year, less than half of the 478TWh consumed in France during 2018. Part of the solution will come from mini- grids, decentralized networks powered by photovoltaic energy. Demand is high: an estimated 200,000 mini-grids are required to power the continent and reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all). Schneider Electric is seeking engineering procurement construction companies to produce the solutions. Schneider will advise on establishing an industrial plant, and testing.

Image: Intel Corporation

UL’s laboratory in Taiwan has been approved by Intel Corporation to conduct Thunderbolt™ 3 product certification testing. UL is the first safety certification organization approved to test Thunderbolt 3 host products to verify that they meet both the Thunderbolt specifications and industry safety standards such as UL/IEC 60950-1 (soon to be superseded by UL/IEC 62368-1). Thunderbolt 3 brings Thunderbolt to USB-C™ at speeds up to 40Gbps, creating one compact port that supports fast and versatile connection to docks as well as display and data devices. Thunderbolt 3 ports also supply up to 100W power for fast charging to devices.

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wiredInUSA - August 2019

Cable firm in debt restructure

Egypt looks to green energy

Photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash

Sources at the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy have confirmed ongoing discussions with several independent power producers (IPPs) to build wind farms capable of producing up to 2,150MW. The government has set itself the goal of consuming 20 percent of electricity produced from clean sources by 2022. The country has also given itself the means to achieve its ambitions by creating conditions for private investment in the renewable energy sub-sector. Several independent power producers (IPPs) are interested to be involved. According to sources at theministry, several IPPs are proposing to produce 2,150MW of wind energy in Egypt. American company General Electric is prepared to join forces with the Danish Vestas Wind Systems for a 4,000MW wind power project. Among the IPPs that have evolved in their negotiations with the Egyptian authorities is the German company Siemens Gamesa, which wants to produce 2,000MW. In response to such proposals a high-level committee was formed by the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) and Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) to review projects.

Kenya’s East African Cables and its parent firm, TransCentury Ltd, have completed a debt restructuring deal to reduce the group’s debt by almost half. TransCentury, founded by a group of Kenyan investors in 1997, invested in a range of infrastructure companies including East African Cables but has since struggled with a heavy debt burden, losses and a fall in share prices. The companies said the deal includes a two-year moratorium on principal repayments and a six-monthmoratoriumon interest payments, cutting the combined group’s debt service cash requirements by over 80 percent for the next two years.

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Cross country power

Capacity growth on ASC

Photo by paul silvan on Unsplash

Mark Callander

Vocus says its ASC (Australian Singapore cable) system is now operating with a total capacity of 60Tbps, 50 percent more than when it launched. The ASC system was switched on in September 2018, nine days ahead of its scheduled opening, because of a major disruption on the Sea-Me-We3 submarine cable between Perth and Singapore. It has four fiber pairs offering various connection points on its 4,600km run between Perth and Singapore, and extending to Christmas Island and Indonesia. A statement from Vocus added that the Singapore to Indonesia stretch had a capacity of up to 44Tbps while the Perth to Indonesia connection had 33Tbps. Mark Callander, Vocus chief executive, wholesale, said with the Asia Pacific region continuing to be the epicenter of global growth, the ASC can provide valuable opportunities for governments, businesses and consumers for years to come.

China has launched its longest extra- high voltage (EHV) power transmission line, connecting the far western region of Xinjiang with the eastern province of Anhui. The 3,324km (2,065 mile) 1,100kV line is designed to transmit 66 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The project aims to help meet increasing power demand in industrialized eastern regions and reduce the amount of wasted electricity in the west. Most of the electricity transmitted via the line will come from the Zhundong coal-fired power plant in northern Xinjiang, which has an installed power generation capacity of 28GW. As part of Beijing’s anti-pollution campaign, new coal-fired power utilities have been banned in the smog-prone east of the country. China has been promoting cross-region EHV transmission lines as they have bigger transmission capacity and lower line losses, compared to ordinary lines. According to the State Grid Corporation of China the country had 18 EHV lines, with an overall transmission length of 27,570km, at the end of June 2019. The national energy administration last September approved 12 EHV transmission projects, aiming to bring electricity generated by renewable power plants in western China to the east and central regions.

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Products, Machines & Technology

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Defense fiber cables W L Gore & Associates Inc has launched new fiber optic cables, 1.8mm Simplex, with high impact resistance for extreme defense aircraft environments. This version exceeds the stringent new JN1177 and EN4641-301 industry standards for greater durability while maintaining high bandwidth data and video transmission on 10Gb avionics networks. Gore’s 1.8mm Simplex exceeds the minimum weight impact requirements specified in these standards for enhanced crush and impact protection while retaining its original optical properties. This version is also resistant to abrasion, scrapes, and the aggressive chemicals and fluids that aircraft typically experience during complex installation, maintenance and repeated flight conditions. Even after exposure to a wide range of temperatures, this rugged cable is said to have endured high-intensity vibration and

mechanical shock without degradation or optical loss. Gore’s combination of cable materials increases fiber movement under compression and so improves termination with standard aerospace connector systems. Diamond dies Fort Wayne Wire Die’s latest products are nano diamond coated dies (DCD) for conductor cable stranding, bunching and compacting applications. Nano DCDs are designed for improved surface finish, reduced die resistance, minimumdiewear and longer lifecompared to tungsten carbide. Nano DCDs are available in sizes up to 3.9″ (100mm).

S S DCD dies from FWWD

The dies are made from tungsten carbide coated with a 30 micron thick layer of nanocystalline diamond particles which, after polishing, become extremely smooth compared to carbide or polycrystalline diamond dies. This highly polished die surface minimizes die pull for improved energy efficiency in stranding machines, impacts safety

S S The 1.8mm Simplex, new fiber optic cables from W L Gore & Associates

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can be placed near the edge of the panel without fear of inducing a crack in the panel. The installation process of BCT rivet nuts can be fully process-monitored and controlled. They can be installed into areas that offer limited rear side clearance — an M6 rivet nut needs only 8mm of rear side clearance prior to installation and only 5mm after installation. This is suitable for use in thinner versions of sandwich (composite) materials, avoiding the need for a through hole. The bulge of the BCT product is strong enough to form by pushing away any material in the sandwich material.

concerns by reducing fines and dust generation, and creates a smoother cable surface finish for better conductivity. When compared to carbide dies Nano DCD die life is said to be up to ten times longer, but costs only three times more. Lightweight rivet nut EFC International’s BCT rivet nut is a light- weight solution for attaching carbon fiber and composite panels in the automotive industry. The rivet nuts are manufactured from aluminum and magnesium, by BBA with BCT ® (bulge control technology). BCT rivet nuts are ultra-high strength and engineered to prevent cracking or delamination of carbon fiber panels.

Future-proof certifier?

Ideal Networks has launched the LanTEK IV, a new copper and fiber cable certifier.

LanTEK IV is designed for faster test times; engineers and technicians can conduct and save a Cat6A test within 7 seconds, assisted by an intuitive user interface with high resolution touchscreen. In addition, the tester’s enhanced functionality certifies links up to Cat8, including TCL and Resistance Unbalance, and will sweep to 3,000 MHz, providing room for future ratified ISO and TIA test standards.

S S The new lightweight rivet nut from EFC

The patented design enables an engineered yield point on the body of the rivet nut, ensuring the bulge formation always begins beyond the panel and is drawn back on the panel. BCT rivet nuts

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The LanTEK IV cable certifier can connect to the Ideal AnyWareCloud test management system to enable real-time collaboration between project managers and field technicians. “With enhanced connectivity, LanTEK IV also makes live support possible,” Widdershoven said. “Colleagues, cable manufacturers and our technical support teamcan all connect to LanTEK IV remotely, helping to increase collaboration, minimize troubleshooting time and reduce call- backs.” Hanger improvements Cable cleat manufacturer Ellis has enhanced a product that it originally developed over 20 years ago. Ellis’s technical team has taken the company’s cable hangers, used primarily in the rail industry, and made them stronger, lighter and cheaper. Stephen Walton, Ellis’s technical director, said: “With the market for cable hangers growing, and the number of extremely similar products also expanding, it was felt we needed to improve on the design in order to capitalize on new opportunities, while at the same time protecting our current customer base.” The first key development is that there are two different versions of the new Ellis cable hanger – a standard Mk2 cable hanger, and a convex hanger; the latter is designed specifically for use in tunnels, where the mounting surface is often curved.

S S LanTEK IV, a new copper and fiber cable certifier

LanTEK IV also provides the patent pending VisiLINQ permanent link adapter, a new way to test that allows users to initiate testing and view the results without even needing to hold the certifier. This allows technicians to save time and increase productivity. The RJ45 tips on the VisiLINQ permanent link modules are also field replaceable to reduce the cost of ownership. “For years some technicians have believed there is only one choice in this category, but LanTEK IV offers a better way, making the job faster, easier and more profitable,” said Tim Widdershoven, marketing director for Ideal Networks. “This is not just a re-badging exercise, but an entirely new, future-proof approach to cable certification.”

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The company recently completed its pre- series development work on the cable harness for an LED lamp unit designed and manufactured by Wipac. The next three years could see Convert manufacturing more than 60,000 rear light cable harnesses for the new model; this would involve making two million crimp connections a year and using cable equivalent to the length of 2,500 football pitches.

S S Enhanced cable hangers from Ellis

Benefits of the new Mk2 cable hangers include rounded corners that reduce snagging points, and spin galvanized construction (55µm or 150µm thickness) to protect against erosion. The hangers are available in a range of sizes for cables up to 100mm in diameter. Cable harness for new electric car Convert Ltd, of the UK, has designed a rear lightcableharness foraGermanautomotive manufacturer’s new all-electric sports car.

S S Convert’s rear light cable harness for a German automotive manufacturer’s new all-electric sports car

Dave Lord, MD of Convert, said: “We’re excited to have completed the pre-series development work. We’ve invested in a new Artos CR11 automatic crimping wire processor especially to support this project. This new piece of kit has doubled our capacity and complements our existing Komax Gamma 255 fully automatic

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a zero-gas process which reduces CO 2 emissions by up to 30 percent.

crimping machine and Artos MTX-5 crimping machine.”

P-Laser is fully compatible with existing HVDC cables and accessories and has over 30,000km manufacturing experience in other types of power cable networks. The P-Laser qualified cable system employs a Prysmian in-house developed material, called HPTE (high performance thermoplastic elastomer), that offers increased thermal performance, higher intrinsic reliability and greater productivity, making it suitable for HVDC transmission lines at high voltage levels. The XLPE qualified cable system uses a new insulation compound specific for HVDC application. Both technologies have also successfully passed type tests at 600kV. “This new milestone is a significant step forward for power transmission systems and the development of innovative and sustainable cable solutions in the industry,” said Hakan Ozmen, EVP, projects business unit, Prysmian Group, adding, “The 525kV cable systems can be an effective solution for the planned German HVDC Corridor projects.” Tape folders Maillefer has developed a longitudinal tape applicator unit for the application of radial water blocking for various cable

A spokesperson from Wipac said: “We’ve worked with Convert for seven years, so we knew they could deliver this exciting project. Dave and his team provided first- class design and development support which has resulted in a top-class lighting solution for this new electric sports car.” the automotive, public transport and scientific/ medical sectors, Convert manufactures wire cables and harnesses for car head and rear lights, passenger gates at railway stations, transmission and driveline systems and a range of scientific equipment. Cables for high voltage Prysmian Group has completed a one- year qualification testing of two new 525kV extruded land cable systems, one qualified with P-Laser and one with XLPE insulation. The systems are designed at a higher voltage level and with large conductor cross-sections to provide optimal technical solutions for long-distance, high-power transmission with minimized land use. Prysmian’s P-Laser is believed to be the first 100 percent recyclable eco-friendly high- performance cable technology, utilizing Operating predominantly in

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mounted, and is available in versions for both line directions.

types. Water blocking barriers are usually aluminum, copper or plastic-based water- swellable tapes, with the longitudinal tape applied during the same process as the final sheath.

The unit supports single or dual pay-offs with a maximum tape pad weight of 1,000kg.

The maximum tape thickness is 0.3mm and the widest tape width is 600mm.

The inner diameter for the tape pads can vary between 150 and 300mm, while the outer diameter maximum is 940mm. Maillefer’s folding process ensures smooth and even tape forming around the cable, and a uniform stress-free surface at various production speeds.

S S The longitudinal tape applicator unit from Maillefer

For the smallest cables, Maillefer offers the S and F versions of the folding tool.

The S and F tools are made of steel and are compatible with the Quicklock quick- mounting fastener.

They are available in versions for both line directions.

An Extra Strong option is available for wider and heavier tapes.

Customers have a choice in tool sizes for cable core diameters of 5mm to 180mm. Also made of steel, this model has two mounting options, either frame or table

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