Substation synergy

“In terms of project management and the integration of equipment, there are many similarities when it comes to building ships and substations,” notes Yann Penduff, Project Manager for Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “For example, we use the same modular approach to construction and many of the same technologies for both applications.”

The substations are built from both normalised and thermo-mechanical grades from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products. “The steel has specific chemical and mechanical properties,” says Serge Hily, Steel Purchasing Manager for Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

One of the biggest challenges Chantiers de l’Atlantique faces when building substations is the tight deadlines. “There are very few vessels available to install substations at sea,” notes Yann Penduff. “We must book the vessel three years in advance, and then we have just one week to install the substation on its foundation. That requires clockwork precision from our team and our suppliers.”