FAQ
Last updated: 23 September 2026
Explore our FAQs to learn how Aquora is building the cable-system, installation and repair capability needed to strengthen critical energy infrastructure across the UK and Europe.
What does Aquora do?
From engineering to deployment, Aquora delivers integrated subsea and land cable solutions for the UK and European energy markets. We bring engineering, procurement, construction, installation and repair together in one reliable delivery model. This allows clients to reduce interface risk, improve coordination and achieve more predictable project outcomes.
Aquora is building strategically important UK capability to install, maintain and repair critical subsea energy infrastructure. This capability will support national resilience, bringing investment, skilled jobs and a strong domestic supply chain to the country.
Why did Aquora rebrand?
Aquora rebranded in early 2026 to reflect 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, new business model, revised management team, and lower capital requirement focused on cable installation and systems delivery.
Its immediate focus is on building a full-service cable installation and repair capability, including a purpose-built UK-flagged cable-lay vessel (CLV), supported by engineering and project-delivery expertise and relationships with selected cable-manufacturing partners.
This responds to a growing constraint in the UK and European energy supply chain: access to the specialist cable systems, installation, maintenance and repair capacity needed to deliver and protect critical energy infrastructure. 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 has a strategic need for home-grown cable supply and installation capacity.
Over the longer term, Aquora also plans to develop a revised high-voltage DC and AC subsea and underground cable manufacturing facility in Scotland, further strengthening the domestic supply-chain.
Why do we need subsea cables?
Subsea cables are essential to connect offshore wind and strengthen Europe’s energy infrastructure. They are critical to the security and resilience of a modern energy system.
As the UK and Europe electrify more of their economies, dependence on these crucial connections will increase, however the UK and Europe face a structural shortage of both expert cable-laying capacity and premium HVDC and HVAC cable, a shortage that is set to 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, requiring significant new transmission infrastructure, including the subsea cables needed to connect offshore generation to the grid, alongside interconnectors and island links.
Building the domestic capability to install, protect, inspect, maintain and repair this high-voltage cable infrastructure will be increasingly important to the UK’s energy security and to the continued development of offshore wind as a major British industry.
How will Aquora strengthen the resilience of the UK’s critical subsea infrastructure?
The UK's energy system is becoming increasingly dependent on subsea infrastructure, from offshore wind connections to interconnectors and island links. At the same time, specialist global capacity to install, maintain and repair high-voltage subsea cables is constrained.
Aquora will provide dedicated UK-based capability to install, inspect, maintain and repair this critical infrastructure. Its purpose-built, UK-flagged cable-laying vessel will add much-needed specialist capacity, including the ability to support emergency cable repairs.
By strengthening domestic capability and reducing reliance on a constrained international market, Aquora will help improve the resilience of the UK's energy infrastructure, minimise disruption and support the development of a stronger UK supply chain and industrial base.
Where will Aquora be based? Is Aquora building a cable factory in Scotland?
Aquora is building its operational capability in Scotland. Its engineering, marine operations and project-delivery teams will be based there, supporting the creation of high-value jobs and strengthening domestic capability.
Aquora is assessing locations for its operational and logistics requirements, including access to the North Sea. No final decision on location has been made.
As part of its longer-term strategy, Aquora also plans to develop a high-voltage subsea cable manufacturing facility in Scotland. The final location and timing of that facility have not yet been determined.
How will Aquora source cable for its projects?
Aquora works with selected strategic cable manufacturing partners to provide clients with integrated cable-system and installation solutions.
This model gives Aquora flexibility to select qualified manufacturers according to the technical requirements, schedule, capacity and commercial needs of each project, while providing clients with a single accountable interface for delivery.
What is the nature of Aquora's partnership with Orient Cables (NBO)?
Aquora is party to a non-exclusive framework agreement with NBO providing Aquora with access to up to 1,200 km of cable capacity annually. However, for any project, Aquora may select NBO or another qualified cable manufacturer based on technical requirements, delivery schedule, available capacity and commercial considerations.
How does cable manufacturing fit within the Aquora model?
Aquora's immediate focus is on building world-class cable installation and repair capability, working with selected strategic manufacturing partners to meet customer requirements.
As part of its long-term strategy, Aquora plans to develop a high-voltage subsea cable manufacturing facility in Scotland. This would add domestic supply capacity, create skilled jobs and investment, complement Aquora's installation and repair capability and strengthen the UK's long-term energy and supply-chain resilience.
When will work start? What’s the timeline for vessel readiness and operations?
Aquora’s installation business is operating, with the UK-flagged cable-laying vessel scheduled to be operational in 2030.
What are your commitments on jobs, skills and apprenticeships?
Aquora is committed to building the skilled UK workforce needed to install, maintain and repair critical subsea energy infrastructure. The installation business is expected to create up to 300 highly skilled jobs, including roles across engineering, marine operations and project delivery.
Over the longer term, Aquora's proposed manufacturing facility would create further skilled employment and supply-chain opportunities. Aquora will provide further details on training, skills development and apprenticeships as its operations develop.
Will Aquora use local suppliers and contractors?
Yes, Aquora will seek to use the local UK supply chain subject to capability, capacity and commercial attractiveness. This will allow us to benefit from local expertise and insight into local conditions, while contributing to strengthening the wider UK supply chain in onshore and offshore power transmission.
Where will the vessel be built?
Aquora is evaluating several shipyards and expects to select the yard during the first half of 2027. The vessel will be UK-flagged and purpose-built to support high-voltage cable installation, inspection, maintenance and emergency repair.
What relevant delivery experience does the leadership team bring?
Aquora’s leadership team brings experience across major energy infrastructure, engineering, subsea cable systems, marine operations, project delivery and the development of complex industrial projects, and is ideally placed to deliver Aquora’s mission to expand the UK’s subsea cable installation and repair capability and strengthen energy security for decades to come. Find out more about the leadership team here.