Basslink
January 2016
The Basslink cable connects Tasmania with Victoria and allows for the import and export of electricity. Basslink is a high-voltage direct current cable link crossing Bass Strait, connecting the Loy Yang Power Station, Victoria on the Australian mainland to the George Town substation in northern Tasmania.
The Basslink Interconnector enhances security of supply on both sides of Bass Strait; protecting Tasmania against the risk of drought-constrained energy shortages while providing Victoria and southern states with secure renewable energy during times of peak demand.
The Basslink Interconnector is the world’s second longest undersea electricity cable.
Tasmania is now relying on power produced within the state after a fault was detected in the cable on 22nd December 2016, about 100 kilometres off the Tasmanian coast.
Posted on Basslink website, The CEO Malcolm Eccles advised that its cable rectification program was proceeding on schedule as expected. “Over the past week, the team (Boncon Group Pty Ltd) working on the repair of the Basslink interconnector have made good progress as we seek to repair the interconnector and return it to operation.
Since the ship returned from the initial inspection, Basslink has had over 100 people on site at the Port of Geelong working as a 24-hour operation assisting with the vessel modifications, and preparing for the next phases of the project.
Boncon team were stationed at Geelong Port, for the period of two weeks to complete the highest form of engineering modifications:
- Major areas of the ship’s deck cleared of existing telecommunications cable equipment, to make way for bulkier, heavier electrical cables and equipment;
- Installation of two major chutes to the rear of the vessel, allowing for safe and efficient cable retrieval and cable laying;
- Strengthening of the ship’s deck, in preparation for installation of the 80 tonne cable reel that will be required during the project.
Boncon Group received immense feedback from Basslink for the time Boncon Services were contracted and time in which we completed.