Passcomm Solutions, now Hybrid, supported the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, one of the UK’s largest offshore renewable energy projects, by supplying critical fibre optic connectivity solutions to support the installation and commissioning of the array cable network and offshore communications system.
Through close collaboration with Van Oord Offshore Wind, rigorous quality assurance, and offshore ready logistics, we helped enable reliable data transmission across a complex marine infrastructure, supporting the successful delivery of this flagship low carbon energy project.
The Technical Scope
Sofia Offshore Wind Farm is located approximately 195 km off the North East coast of England and comprises 100 offshore wind turbines, each rated at 14 MW. The project required a robust fibre optic communications system to support control, protection, monitoring, and operational communications across the entire wind farm.
Key challenges included the installation of approximately 360 km of subsea array cable connecting the turbines to the Offshore Converter Platform (OCP), the integration of fibre optic systems within a harsh offshore environment, the need for absolute reliability across long distance power transmission infrastructure, and strict adherence to offshore standards, quality controls, and project timelines.
The fibre optic components formed a critical part of the wind farm’s operational backbone, failure or delays could have impacted commissioning and overall project delivery.
A proven, fully tested, and offshore ready solution was essential.
Our Engineered Solution
We supplied and supported the deployment of fibre optic connectivity solutions specifically designed for offshore wind applications.
Actions delivered:
- Supply of fibre optic patch panels and fibre optic dome closures to support communications and monitoring infrastructure
- Close engineering collaboration with Van Oord Offshore Wind to align technical specifications
- Joint technical reviews and approval of the final Bill of Materials (BoM) prior to production
- Rigorous Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to validate performance and compliance
- Full scale manufacturing following successful FAT sign off
- Implementation of robust, waterproof packaging solutions to protect components during offshore transport and handling
Our approach ensured all products arrived offshore in optimal condition, fully compliant and ready for installation in demanding marine conditions.
The Technical Outcome
Our fibre optic solutions supported the successful installation and testing of the array cable network and offshore communications infrastructure at the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm. Reliable fibre optic connectivity was established across all 100 offshore wind turbines, with seamless integration to the Offshore Converter Platform and export cable system.
The use of proven, fully tested components reduced installation and commissioning risk, supporting a controlled and timely delivery programme. Close collaboration between Passcomm and Van Oord Offshore Wind ensured technical alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Together, these outcomes contributed to the delivery of a 1.4 GW offshore wind project capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 1.2 million UK homes, supporting the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy future.
