OCR - Cable Laying & Loading - INELFE Victoria

JOB DESCRIPTION – OFFSHORE CLIENT REPRESENTATIVE (OCR)

Project: France–Spain Interconnection – Biscay Gulf Project

1. Project Context

As part of the France–Spain HVDC interconnection project via the Bay of Biscay, INELFE awarded in May 2023 two EPCI cable installation contracts for the links connecting the converter stations of Cubnezais (France) and Gatika (Spain):

• Link 1 awarded to NKT

• Link 2 awarded to Prysmian Power Link (PPL)

This scope concerns Link 1 only, including L1 North and L1 South, installed by NKT.

NKT will perform several offshore and nearshore campaigns during 2026 and 2027, covering:

• Cable load-out operations,

• Bundle cable installation,

• Post-burial operations.

In this context, INELFE is seeking four (4) Offshore Client Representatives (OCRs) to support offshore operations, ensuring adequate rotation coverage.

Unless otherwise specified, cable load-out activities will be carried out at the NKT factory in Karlskrona, Sweden.

2. Project Description

The interconnection project consists of:

• 275 km of submarine HVDC cable, and

• Approximately 120 km of underground HVDC cable, including:

  • 78 km in northern France,

  • 27 km in the Capbreton area (France),

  • 15 km in Spain.

3. Position Objective

The Offshore Client Representative acts as INELFE’s on-site representative during mobilisation, nearshore and offshore operations.

The OCR is responsible for ensuring that all activities are performed in compliance with:

• Contractual requirements,

• Approved procedures,

• Applicable legislation,

• Best industry practices,

• HSE standards.

4. Scope of Work & Responsibilities

4.1 Before Mobilisation

Prior to mobilisation, the OCR shall:

• Attend the HSE briefing in accordance with the CCTG Frame Agreement OCR Rev2;

• Participate in all meetings required for operational preparation;

• Familiarise himself/herself with:

  • Marine spread and equipment,

  • Mobilisation activities,

  • Cable installation and pull-in operations,

  • Burial tools and methodologies,

  • Relevant technical specifications (A.3.1 and A.3.2 – HSE, quality and technical);

• Propose a Daily OCR Report format for validation by INELFE, including:

  • Control points verified by the OCR;

• Review all applicable procedures.

4.2 During Mobilisation, Nearshore & Offshore Operations

The OCR shall monitor, follow up and control all activities, including but not limited to:

• Full verification during mobilisation to confirm that vessels are:

  • Properly equipped,

  • Adequately loaded,

  • Fit for the scope of work;

• Verification that works are performed in accordance with:

  • INELFE specifications,

  • Cable installation contracts,

  • Approved procedures,

  • Best practices and applicable regulations;

• Review of the Contractor Daily Progress Report, including:

  • Ongoing activities,

  • Key events,

  • Weather and standby situations,

  • Planned activities;

• Issuance of a Daily OCR Report to INELFE before 10:00, followed by a daily coordination call;

• Ensure that the Contractor executes the agreed scope:

  • Safely,

  • Efficiently,

  • Within schedule,

  • In compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements;

• Stop work authority: stop operations if performance, safety, or compliance is not aligned with contractual requirements, regulations, or industry standards. Any such decision shall be justified and immediately reported to INELFE.

5. Required Experience & Competencies

5.1 Technical Expertise

Proven experience or strong knowledge in the following areas:

• Cable load-out onto Cable Laying Vessels (CLV),

• Bundle cable laying operations,

• Pull-in operations,

• Matressing (in-service crossings),

• Cable survey activities, including:

  • Cable tracking,

  • MBES,

  • OTDR / TDR,

  • Visual cable inspections,

• Marine regulations,

• Offshore HSE management.

5.2 Profile Requirements

• Proven experience as an Offshore Client Representative or equivalent role on submarine cable projects;

• Fluent English (mandatory);

• French and/or Spanish is a strong advantage;

• Must be registered as “Seafarer / Gens de mer” (valid Seaman Book), allowing:

  • Work on a 7-day basis,

  • Operations in European waters.

6. HSE & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

HSE requirements are defined in the CCTG Frame Agreement OCR Rev2.

The employing company is responsible for providing adequate PPE, including:

• Safety helmet with chin strap – compliant with EN 397 & EN 50365;

• Safety shoes – EN 20345;

• Gloves adapted to the identified risks;

• Safety glasses or goggles – EN 166;

• High-visibility jacket – EN 13688 & EN 20471;

• 275 N life jacket – compliant with ISO 12402-2 and SOLAS, equipped with AIS.