Nexans sets World Record and Completes High-Voltage Subsea Cable Installation on the Tyrrhenian Link
February 2, 2026
Nexans, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services, has successfully completed the high-voltage subsea cable installation on the Tyrrhenian.
Link Project in Italy, confirming a world-record installation depth of 2,150 meters for a 500 kV high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable.
The world record was achieved during offshore installation campaign in December 2025, as part of Nexans’ works for Terna, the Italian Transmission System Operator. The Tyrrhenian Link is a strategic 500 kV HVDC interconnection designed to strengthen Italy’s national transmission grid.
The offshore execution milestone was finalized with the successful completion of the second pull-in operation on January 1, 2026, establishing the physical connection between the cable landing points in Terra Mala (Sardinia) and Fiumetorto (Sicily).
This operation marks the completion of all high-voltage subsea cable laying activities on the project. The western section of the Tyrrhenian Link, which falls within Nexans’ scope of work, comprises approximately 480 km of deep-water subsea cable, installed over two offshore campaigns of around 200 km and 280 km respectively. The Tyrrhenian Link as a whole consists of two 500 kV HVDC subsea connections, each approximately 970 km in length, with a total transmission capacity of 1,000 MW.
“Setting a world record at 2,150 meters and completing the high-voltage subsea cable installation phase of the Tyrrhenian Link are defining achievements for Nexans. Installing a 500 kV HVDC cable at such depths requires exceptional precision and discipline across engineering, manufacturing, route preparation and vessel operations. These milestones reflect the strength of our technology, the performance of the Nexans Aurora, and the expertise of our teams throughout the project.”
Pascal Radue, Executive Vice President, PWR-Transmission, Nexans.
“The Tyrrhenian Link has reached a depth of 2,150 meters, setting a world record for a submarine power cable. This milestone demonstrates Terna’s ability to manage highly complex technological challenges and deliver infrastructure that strengthens the stability, security and adequacy of Italy’s electricity system,” said Giuseppina Di Foggia, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Terna.
By setting a new world record and completing the high-voltage subsea cable installation, Nexans once again demonstrates its capability to deliver complex, deep-water HVDC projects with technical excellence and operational rigor.
