FAQ
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Explore our FAQs to learn how Aquora delivers trusted, end-to-end subsea cable systems and installation supporting the UK and Europe’s energy infrastructure.
What does Aquora do?
Aquora (formerly XLCC) is a Scottish energy company focused on subsea cable installation and systems, created to address the shortage of high-quality cable and installation capacity across the UK and Europe.
Founded on XLCC’s engineering and development concepts, Aquora exists to deliver the subsea cable system and installation capability needed to connect renewable power, strengthen national grid resilience, and accelerate the decarbonisation and electrification of our energy systems.
Why did Aquora rebrand?
Aquora rebranded to reflect a fundamentally new strategy, business model and leadership.
Aquora is a new enterprise with a fundamentally revised strategy, a different business model and new leadership. Given the new strategic direction, it made sense to rebrand at the same time as launching the new company.
How is Aquora different to XLCC?
Aquora is a re-purposed business with a new strategy focused on cable installation and systems delivery.
Our strategic review concluded that HVDC and HVAC cable supply will be globally constrained, well into the future, with this being a critical bottleneck in the renewable energy supply chain. The UK will have a strategic need for home-grown cable supply and installation capacity.
Therefore, a comprehensively re-purposed XLCC, with a new strategy, new business model, revised management team, and lower capital requirement, would be positioned to capture this market demand.
Accordingly, Aquora has been created and will pursue a two-stage strategy:
- Phase 1 (from 2026): Launch a project delivery and cable installation business in Scotland, including a UK-flagged cable laying vessel (CLV), creating between 150-200 highly skilled direct jobs, with further indirect jobs linked to the project deliveries, strengthening the local supply chain. Initial cable manufacturing will be subcontracted through strategic a partnership with NBO.
- Phase 2 (circa 2028): Establish a revised high voltage DC and AC subsea and underground cable manufacturing facility in Scotland. The manufacturing facility will initially be smaller and more flexible to meet market demand.
Why do we need subsea cables?
Subsea cables are essential to connect offshore wind and strengthen Europe’s energy infrastructure.
The UK and Europe face a structural shortage of both expert cable-laying capacity and premium HVDC and HVAC cable—and that shortage is set widen. Industry sources indicate that c.100,000km of high-voltage cables will be needed over the next ten years for European offshore wind and interconnectors. Historically, the region has installed around 3,500km per year.
As the success of AR7 illustrates, there is huge demand for offshore wind in the UK. Britain will build 43-50GW of offshore wind in the next decade, needing interconnectors and island links. Therefore, these cables are essential in not only the generation but also the connection of renewable energy infrastructure.
Where will Aquora be based? Is Aquora building a cable factory in Scotland?
Aquora is a Scottish business, with plans to build operations across three facilities in Scotland:
- The mobilisation and logistics centre for the cable installation business, which will need ready access to the North Sea, will be the principal base of operations.
- The sales, engineering and delivery organisation.
- In phase 2 of the strategy, a significant industrial site for a cable factory.
No final decisions have been made on location of the three business elements.
What is the nature of Aquora's partnership with Orient Cables (NBO)?
In recent years, we have built a strong relationship with NBO through a technical partnership covering the manufacture and testing of our HVDC subsea cable design. NBO and Aquora agreed that there were mutual benefits to extend this relationship beyond technical matters. As a result, NBO and Aquora entered into a strategic partnership agreement in November 2025. By combining Aquora’s project delivery capability with NBO’s technology and manufacturing excellence, Aquora will provide clients with a seamless single-source solution. Our strategic partnership agreement includes:
- Collaboration in the development and delivery of turnkey solution projects for onshore and offshore HVDC and HVAC cable systems in Europe.
- Aquora will assume primary responsibility for the tendering process in relation to the projects, including leading bid submissions and coordinating responses.
- Aquora will have the primary responsibility for management of the turnkey solution projects.
- NBO will provide their world-class designed, tested and proven high-voltage cable and accessories to Aquora for installation.
- Joint marketing and promotional activities.
- For supply only or installation-only projects, each party can pursue these opportunities independently.
How does cable manufacturing fit within the Aquora model?
The market for high-voltage DC and AC subsea and underground cable in the UK and across Europe is expected to grow significantly through the 2030s and beyond. Supply from our partner NBO will enable us to serve a substantial portion of this growing market.
However, the scale of anticipated demand, and the need for a sensible degree of UK energy independence, mean that, alongside NBO’s continued support, additional manufacturing capacity will be required.
Once Aquora is established as a market participant with client relationships, we will commence factory construction for a cable manufacturing capacity in Scotland. Building this factory close to our customers will allow Aquora to complement NBO’s supply, increase overall capacity, reduce our environmental footprint and be flexible to ensure we can fully meet market needs over the long term.
When will work start? What’s the timeline for vessel readiness and operations?
Aquora’s installation business will mobilise from 2026, with the UK-flagged cable-laying vessel operational in 2029.
What are your commitments on jobs, skills and apprenticeships?
Aquora remains committed to building a high voltage cable manufacturing and installation business, anchored by a world-leading factory in Scotland that will create significant employment opportunities.
The Installation Business is expected to employ between 150-200 people in Scotland. While final factory employment numbers will depend on demand, long-term estimates suggest around 800 roles, alongside thousands of indirect jobs across the supply chain.
Will Aquora use local suppliers and contractors?
Aquora has a strategic partnership agreement in place with NBO for the supply of their high-quality cable to our new installation business. This will allow us to work through auction rounds and build up orders, which will underpin a manufacturing facility. Over time, the plan is to supplement imported supplies with those domestically manufactured.
Where will the vessel be built?
We are looking at various yards and will make a decision on this later in the year.
What relevant delivery experience does the leadership team bring?
Aquora’s leadership team is ideally placed to deliver Aquora’s mission to expand the UK’s subsea cable installation capacity and strengthen energy security for decades to come. Find out more about the leadership team here
How can we follow Aquora's progress?
You can follow Aquora’s progress via our LinkedIn page or our News and Insights page on the website.
How do I get in touch with Aquora?
You can contact Aquora via the form on our website