An Overview of the Role and Work of the European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA)

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1 An Overview of the Role and Work of the European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA)

2 What is ESCA and how is it relevant to You and the broader Subsea Cable Sector?

3 ESCA is THE Independent UK and European body of Expertise and Excellence for ALL of the diverse sectors that comprise the Subsea Cables Family including: Telecoms, Renewable Energy, Power Interconnectors, and Scientific.

4 The European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA) is an organisation of Submarine Cable Owners, TSO s, OFTO s, Renewable Energy Developers, Installers, Experienced Consultants and Suppliers. ESCA is primarily aimed at promoting marine safety by liaising with Government Agencies, NGO s, Fishing and other associations, producing professional guidelines and protecting cable installations in UK, European and surrounding waters via KISORCA.

5 ESCA can trace it s history back almost 20 years and is also associated with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) that is this year celebrating it s 60 year anniversary

6 ESCA is arranged into a number of sections: The Executive Committee Technical and Regulatory Sub-Group Maritime Sub-Group (Including Fishing Adviser) Renewable and Power Cable Sub-Group Liaison Officer (With Government and Non-Gov, Agencies incl, OSPAR, TCE, MMO Etc)

7 In addition, there are a number of Regional European Sub-Groups: UK, Ci & Roi Sub-Group Northern European Sub-Group Southern European Sub-Group

8 Technical and Regulatory Subgroup (TRSG) The purpose of the TRSG is to provide technical and operational support and guidance to the membership of ESCA and be the main focal point within ESCA for all matters pertaining to ESCA s relationship with the various regulatory authorities.

9 Maritime Subgroup (MSG) The purpose of the MSG is to be the main focal point for marine liaison within ESCA, with its objectives being to: liaise with the fishing industry and be the focal point for fishery issues in ESCA Be the ESCA's liaison with the Kingfisher Information Service Cable Awareness (KIS-ORCA) Liaise with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Marine Accident Investigation Branch Liaise with other offshore operators and organizations, including but not limited to oil and gas, offshore renewables and ports and shipping.

10 Renewables and Power Cables Subgroup (RPSG) The purpose of the RPSG is to provide technical guidance to European Subsea Cables Association members and interested parties, on topics associated with the installation & operation of submarine power cables.

11 There is also an ESCA Liaison Officer who s role is to: Attend meetings and speak on behalf of ESCA members and the greater Subsea Cable Sector with the following entities, as required: UK and European Government Departments EG: The Crown Estate, Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Marine Scotland, MCU Wales/NRW, DETI Northern Ireland, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS), Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)

12 UK and European Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL), RSPB, OSPAR, JNCC/other conservation bodies (such as Natural England and the like), IFCAs, SUDG and other similar external organisations (encompassing Oil & Gas UK, BMAPA,, RUK, REA, CCS, NFFO, SFF). Identify key issues and bring them to the attention of ESCA and other entities in the industry. Represent ESCA at appropriate conferences and 3rd Party meetings.

13 There are 16 Current Guidelines that the ESCA Sub-Groups have produced. Important recent ones include: Guideline 6: The Proximity of Wind Farms to existing Subsea Infrastructure Guideline 12: Reporting Faults to the MAIB and MCA Guideline 14: Power Cable Installation Guideline 15: Power and Renewable Energy Cable Repair In addition, there are a number of guidelines that are under compilation including: The Mechanical Handling of Power Cables.

14 Some recent initiatives and research that have been commissioned or contributed to by ESCA include: An economic and Social Evaluation of the UK Subsea Cables Industry: Undertaken by The University of Huddersfield. A high level numerical analysis to indicate the impact of rollers on Subsea Power Cables: Undertaken by BPP Cables. Submarine Cables and Admiralty Law. Will Successful damage claims against Fishing Vessels change habits? MMO Subsea Cables Desk Note.

15 A particularly important safety initiative that ESCA is part of is: KIS-ORCA. Protecting Lives and Assets Offshore. By cable owners / operators being part of KIS-ORCA, they demonstrate that they are doing all that is reasonably practicable to safeguard their assets and those that may encounter them by logging the position of their cables on the site for free distribution to fishermen. This is becoming an important insurance requirement. This initiative was originally set up as KISCA in 2001 and became KISORCA in 2012.

16 Thank you and Any Questions? For more information, to download guidelines, news and reports or to enquire about joining ESCA, visit ESCA website: Tony Zymelka: Chair: RPSG