Viking Link is approximately 630 km of submarine high voltage direct current (DC) cables which passed  through the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany and Great Britain in the North Sea. Approximately 220 km of this submarine high voltage DC cables will be installed within the British EEZ.

In March 2016, seabed survey works commenced in the Danish waters across the southern North Sea through the German and Dutch waters before terminating in the United Kingdom.  The survey consisted of geophysical, geotechnical and other relevant studies to ensure that all environmental impacts are assessed. Throughout the works, National Grid Viking Link (NGVL) and Energinet were in contact with all identified third party asset owners, local fishing communities and local statutory authorities to advise on the survey activities and programme in the relevant areas. These works were completed and the submarine cable route between Denmark and the UK was identified after various investigations and consultations with relevant stakeholders, National Authorities and other organisations.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was undertaken for the project to determine the potential impacts on the physical, biological and human environment. The EIA report formed part of the marine licence application for the Viking Link UK Offshore Scheme which was submitted to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The statutory consultation process was undertaken by the MMO and the licence was issued in October 2018. 

 

Marine licence applications in other territories

Marine licence applications for the Viking Link Offshore Scheme were also submitted to the following National Competent Authorities (NCAs) in other territories:

  • Denmark: Danish Energy Agency (Energistyrelsen)
  • Germany: Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie, (BSH) which is the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency and the Landesamt für Bergbau, Energie und Geologie (LBEG) which is the State Authority for Mining, Energy and Geology. 
  • The Netherlands: Ministry of Economic Affairs

We have received installation licences in all territories.

 

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