Graduation Assignment: Bundled cables

During this graduation internship, you will work for Boskalis’ offshore energy division as well as the R&D department.

How you can make your mark

During this internship you will work for the offshore energy division as well as the R&D department.

Within a vibrant company culture, you will be working as part of a diverse, international team of experts.

Background of the graduation assignment

It is expected that the market for the laying and burial of bundled submarine power cables will increase in the future.

Most projects comprise a bundle consisting of two power cables, with an additional fibre optic data cable. Some involve bundles of three power cables with an additional fibre optic data cable.

While the installation of bundles consisting of two cables is common practice, modelling of a cable bundle is proven to be difficult. There is therefore a clear need to systematically identify existing knowledge gaps and to further advance the understanding of bundled cable installation.

Research questions

• What are the stress levels in bundled cables during laying and burial, particularly when the cable trajectories (catenary shapes) of the individual cables within the bundle differ?
• How do these stress levels vary for bundles consisting of two cables?
• How do these stress levels vary for bundles consisting of three cables?
• What is the influence of the bundling stiffness and the applied bundling method on these stress levels?
• How can bundled cables be accurately modelled (in OrcaFlex)?
• How can the laying and burial process of bundled cables be effectively controlled to limit installation risks and cable stresses?
• What are the implications of bundled cable installation for the design of vessel deck equipment, such as chutes and tensioners?
• What are the consequences of bundled cable installation for burial tool design?

Research Focus

The primary focus of this graduation research is on a) the physics involved in bundling cables and b) the modelling of bundled cables, with specific emphasis on:

• Identifying and quantifying stress levels during different installation phases (laying and burial);
• Assessing how these stress levels depend on cable properties, bundle configuration, and bundling method;
• Systematically mapping installation risks related to cable stresses and translating them into design and operational recommendations.

Steering Committee

• Boskalis R&D representative (daily supervisor)
• Boskalis Marine Engineering expert
• Boskalis Cable installation Expert

You are the right fit for this graduation internship if:

• You are pursuing a WO degree in Maritime engineering or Offshore engineering.
• You are motivated, eager to learn, and enthusiastic about offshore engineering challenges.
• You are a team player with strong analytical skills, creativity, and a proactive mindset.

We offer

What You Can Expect

• Internship guidance: We ensure you get the most out of your graduation period with strong mentorship.
• Warm welcome: You will quickly feel at home within our team.
• Internship allowance: Provided for the duration of your internship.
• Dynamic work environment: A unique opportunity to learn from a global leader in offshore operations.