The launch of the maritime vessel Nexans Electra, together with the progress achieved to date on Malta’s Second Electricity Interconnector (IC2), marks another important milestone in the delivery of this strategic infrastructure project.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli participated in the official launch of Nexans Electra in Norway. The vessel will play a central role in the offshore installation of Malta’s second electricity interconnector with Italy.

Representatives from InterConnect Malta and Nexans also attended the inauguration.

The launch represents a significant step forward in the implementation of the IC2 project, which will further strengthen Malta’s energy infrastructure and reinforce the country’s connection to the European electricity network.

“The IC2 project builds on the experience gained through the first Malta–Sicily interconnector, commissioned in 2015 and delivered by Nexans. The second interconnector will be routed at a safe distance from the existing cable to enhance resilience and minimise the risk of simultaneous disruption. Once operational, it will strengthen Malta’s electricity system by providing redundancy, improving reliability, and supporting future demand growth. The project is also a key component of Malta’s strategy to achieve its 2030 climate and energy targets, as well as its long-term decarbonisation objectives,” Minister Dalli said.

Nexans, the contractor responsible for the manufacture, installation and protection of the subsea cable, has completed the production and testing of the entire 103-kilometre cable, including approximately four kilometres of spare cable. Manufacturing commenced in August 2025 at Nexans’ high-voltage subsea cable facility in Charleston, United States.

Offshore cable-laying operations are expected to commence later this year. Nexans Electra will mobilise to Charleston to load the cable before proceeding to Malta for installation works.

Designed specifically for the transport, installation, protection and repair of subsea power cables, Nexans Electra is equipped with advanced dynamic positioning technology that enables precise operations without the use of anchors. The vessel will install the cable at depths of up to 160 metres along the IC2 route.

Preparatory offshore works have already been completed, including detailed route surveys and clearance operations. Unexploded wartime objects identified along the route were safely removed, paving the way for the installation phase.

Progress is also being registered onshore. In Malta, 97% of trenching works have been completed, while horizontal directional drilling works at Magħtab are ongoing to facilitate the cable’s land-sea transition with minimal environmental impact. In Sicily, approximately 90% of trenching works and 65% of cable-laying activities along the 21.7-kilometre land route have been completed.

The project also includes measures to support the long-term operation and resilience of the interconnector. Spare cable will be stored at the Delimara Power Station through the installation of a dedicated turntable.

InterConnect Malta CEO Inġ. Ismail D’Amato said: “The installation of a dedicated turntable for spare cable storage is strategically important, ensuring rapid access to replacement cable should repairs be required in the future. This will help minimise downtime and strengthen the overall resilience of the system.”

The €300 million project has been approved for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) support under the priority of promoting a clean and just energy transition. Recognised as an Operation of Strategic Importance under the 2021–2027 Programme, the project will benefit from €261 million in European funding and contributes directly to the development of a smarter and more resilient energy system.