Joint industry project

Qualification and design requirements for cable protection systems (QUADRE)

New partners invited to join phase 2

Offshore wind projects depend on reliable subsea power cables, but approaches to cable protection system design can vary across projects. This creates uncertainty for developers, suppliers and contractors, particularly when balancing safety, performance and cost. The QUADRE joint industry project (JIP) aims to refine requirements for the design, construction and operation of subsea cable systems.

Objectives and scope of the QUADRE JIP

The main goal of the QUADRE JIP is to develop and standardize a robust mechanical design philosophy for subsea cable systems. This involves a comprehensive review of current design codes and the development of new guidelines that address the unique conditions of subsea cable systems. The project focuses on establishing a safety philosophy, understanding failure modes, and refining design methodologies together with acceptance criteria and safety factors.

The final results of this JIP may contribute to future updates of key DNV standard (ST) and recommended practice (RP) documents, including  DNV-ST-0359, DNV-RP-0360, and DNV-RP-C205.

Project status - September 2026

Phase 1, which started in April 2025, is moving towards completion in Q4 2026, with the following key deliverables:

  1. Draft RP “Cable mechanical protection”, planned to be published in early 2027.
  2. JIP report on cable protection systems:
    • Failure modes
    • System responsibilities
    • Interface management
    • Global analysis methodology, including vortex-induced vibrations

Phase 2 is being launched Q3 2026 and DNV is seeking partners. The planned kick-off is Q4 2026.

Deliverables: shaping practical guidelines from JIP findings 

Phase 2 will build on the results from phase 1, as well as the ongoing development of a new DNV recommended practice for cable mechanical protection. The deliverables from phase 2 will provide industry guidance, recommended practices, and a basis for more consistent project decisions for bottom-fixed offshore wind power plants.

Phase 2 aims to reduce unjustified conservatism by:

  • Methodology development
  • Calibration of acceptance criteria and safety factors
  • Targeted testing/data collection
  • Validation of analysis models with construction and operation data

Why participate in the QUADRE phase 2? 

Join us as a partner for QUADRE phase 2 to shape practical, risk-informed standards for safer and more consistent submarine power-cable projects. DNV, together with our partners, will help reduce uncertainty, project risk, unnecessary conservatism and lifecycle costs through shared expertise, data and validated design methods.

Phase 1 partners:

  • CRP
  • Balmoral
  • Tekmar
  • Seaway7
  • DEME
  • JAN DE NUL
  • Van Oord
  • JERA NEX BP
  • Ørsted
  • Total Energies
  • Helenic Cables
  • RWE