Ship to lay P.E.I.'s new electric cables arrives

The Isaac Newton, the ship that will install Maritime Electric's two new electrical cables that will carry electricity under the Northumberland Strait between P.E.I. and New Brunswick, is about to get to work.

The vessel is currently berthed in Charlottetown Harbour.

The Isaac Newton, with its crew of 75, can carry up to 10,500 tonnes of cable. This project will take 3,500 tonnes.

"For cable installation itself we're estimating about two and a half to three weeks," Captain Stefan Van de Moortele told CBC News.

"Afterwards we also have to ensure that the cable is properly protected, and that can take up to four to six weeks to bury the cable in a decent manner so that it's protected against the environment for the next coming decades."

The ship will be moving on to Borden-Carleton in the next few days.

The new cables are needed as the old cables, installed four decades ago, are at the end of their lifespan.

Maritime Electric says the installation should be completed by the end of the year.

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