Nexans sets world record by installing power cable 2,150 meters under water

December 30, 2025, by Nadja Skopljak

France-headquartered cable systems designer and manufacturer Nexans has set a new world record in the subsea cable industry by installing a 500 kV HVDC power cable at a depth of 2,150 meters.

Nexans reported it had achieved this milestone on the Tyrrhenian Link, described as one of Italy’s most significant electrical infrastructures.

The 970-kilometer, 1,000 MW interconnector encompasses two sections: the west part, connecting Sicily and Sardinia, as well as the east one from Sicily to Campania.

Nexans started laying high-voltage subsea cable between Sicily and Sardinia in September as part of the western section of the project, which will stretch for 480 kilometers between the Fiumetorto landing point, Palermo, and the Terra Mala landing point, Cagliari.

The company’s cable-laying is divided into two phases, with the first, 200 kilometers long, completed in September, and the second, around 280 kilometers long, kicked off in December.

“The milestone was achieved on the Tyrrhenian Link project in Italy, in close collaboration with our customer, Terna SpA. It reflects years of engineering development, the performance of Nexans Aurora, and the precision and commitment of teams working across the entire value chain,” Nexans reported.

“A sincere thank you to Terna for the trust, and to all Nexans teams, including those who continued working through the holiday period, for making this world record possible.”

Tyrrhenian Link is scheduled to be fully operational in 2028.