project brief

Bass Strait Power Cable Feasibility Study

category
client

Tracey Brunstrom & Hammond Pty Ltd

start date

January 1, 2024

end date

March 1, 2024

location

Bass Strait

the challenge

The client required a detailed feasibility study to evaluate the deployment of a subsea power cable across the Bass Strait, one of the most dynamic marine environments in the region. The goal was to connect offshore renewable energy infrastructure to the mainland grid, ensuring reliable and efficient energy transmission. This effort demanded a highly tailored approach due to the Strait’s complex bathymetry, active currents, and ecological sensitivities.

Key technical challenges included identifying feasible cable routes, analyzing seabed conditions, and determining optimal landing zones. Environmental regulations, construction logistics, and risk management were also major factors influencing system design. The study needed to balance performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental compliance while supporting future scalability and energy security goals.

project goals

  • Assess the feasibility of deploying a high-voltage subsea power cable across the Bass Strait

  • Evaluate marine environmental conditions and regulatory factors affecting cable installation

  • Determine optimal routing and landfall points for cable deployment

  • Provide design recommendations for power infrastructure resilience and scalability

  • Deliver risk mitigation strategies for construction and operational phases

the result

WFN Strategies developed a comprehensive feasibility report that addressed all critical aspects of the subsea power cable deployment. The final deliverable included optimized route analysis, environmental risk identification, regulatory compliance mapping, and engineering recommendations tailored to the challenging conditions of the Bass Strait.

The findings helped the client de-risk early-stage planning and equipped them with actionable insights for progressing into procurement and implementation. WFN’s work contributed to a foundational understanding of how to support long-term energy connectivity using submarine cable technology in one of Australia’s most demanding offshore corridors.

related projects

  • Feasibility study and route assessment for a high-voltage submarine power cable linking Cabinda and Soyo, Angola.

  • Feasibility study and route analysis for a high-voltage submarine power cable interconnecting Cabinda and Soyo, Angola.