Apply to lay cables
Laying telecommunications and power cables within UK territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles) requires a marine licence.
Laying telecommunications and power cables within UK territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles) requires a marine licence. If the cable is an international cable, MMO are obliged to grant the marine licence, but can include conditions.
Laying international cables outside UK territorial waters (beyond 12 nautical miles) does not require a marine licence. However, associated works, such as pre-lay dredge and disposal and cable protection works may require a marine licence.
A marine licence is required for the laying of all cables used in connection with:
- exploring the UK sector of the continental shelf
- exploiting the natural resources of that sector
- operating artificial islands, installations and structures under the jurisdiction of the UK
- preventing, reducing or controlling pollution from pipelines
MMO cannot grant a marine licence for works within non-Crown-owned tidal sea beds unless it is satisfied that adequate arrangements have been made to compensate owners of interests in the tidal water or lands affected for any loss or damage.
Trans-European Networks – Energy (TEN-E)
The European Commission can designate energy infrastructure projects, including international cable developments, as a project of common interest (PCI) under the TEN-E Regulation.
However, The TEN-E regulation is being revoked when the UK leaves the EU exit by article 152(1) and Schedule 3 of the Electricity and Gas etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The revocation will be subject to some saving provisions for projects which have already received planning permission in the UK.
First Union list of PCIs in England
The PCIs for which NCA tasks are currently delegated to the MMO are below.
| Reference | PCI |
|---|---|
| 1.1.1 | Interconnection between Zeebrugge (Belgium) and the vicinity of Richborough (UK) (NEMO element) |
| 1.7.1 | France-United Kingdom interconnection between Cotentin (France) and the vicinity of Exeter (UK) – FAB Link |
| 1.7.2 | France-United Kingdom interconnection between Tourbe (France) and Chilling (UK) – currently known as the IFA2 project |
| 1.9.5 | Ireland-United Kingdom interconnection between the Irish midlands and Alverdiscott, Devon (UK) |
| 1.10 | Norway-United Kingdom interconnection, possibly between Kvilldal (Norway) and Blyth (UK) |
| 1.14 | Interconnection between Revsing (DK) and Bicker Fen (UK) - Viking Link |
Tasks for project 1.1.2, which forms part of the NEMO project, will be delegated to the Planning Inspectorate. Tasks for project 1.1.3, which is the third NEMO element, will not be delegated.
Updates to this page
Published 11 June 2014Last updated 6 January 2021 + show all updates
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Updated to reflect legislative changes as a result of the UK leaving the EU
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Updated to reflect current UK National Competent Authority
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Interconnection between Revsing (DK) and Bicker Fen (UK) [currently known as "Viking Link"] information added
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First published.