NKT BUILDS THE WORLD’S LARGEST OFFSHORE CABLE FACTORY

Driving the Green Transition from Karlskrona

With a EUR 1 billion investment, NKT expands to meet the rising global demand for renewable energy infrastructure

NKT, one of the world’s leading cable manufacturers, is making history in Karlskrona, Sweden. With a EUR 1 billion investment, the company is building the world’s largest factory for high-voltage offshore cables—a critical component in supporting the global green transition and the electrification of society.

The expansion includes not only a new state-of-the-art production facility, NKT Crown, but also the construction of NKT Eleonora, a groundbreaking cable-laying vessel designed to operate on methanol to reduce its environmental impact.

 

We play a key role in the green transition. Our cable systems connect countries and offshore wind farms, enabling the transport of renewable electricity where it’s needed most.

Darren Fennell

Head of NKT Karlskrona

Meeting the Global Surge in Renewable Energy Demand

As the world shifts towards renewable energy, the demand for high-voltage cable systems is soaring. These cables are essential for transferring large amounts of green electricity across borders and between generation sites and end users.

NKT’s factory expansion will significantly boost production capacity. At full scale, the Karlskrona site will become the largest offshore cable manufacturing facility globally, featuring Sweden’s second-tallest structure, a 200-meter-tall cable tower.

  • Order backlog (Q2 2024): EUR 11.3 billion
  • Factory completion: 2027
  • New vessel capacity: 23,000 tonnes of cable

Investing in Jobs and Innovation

NKT’s expansion is not just about infrastructure—it’s about people. The project is set to create up to 500 new jobs in Karlskrona, solidifying NKT’s position as one of the largest private employers in the region, alongside hundreds of subcontractor roles during the construction phase.

This investment reinforces Karlskrona’s emergence as a global center for marine technology and innovation.

Darren Fennell

The Karlskrona factory will feature cutting-edge research and testing facilities, where technology and expertise converge to deliver the next generation of energy solutions. It is an environment that rivals aerospace-grade laboratories, blending R&D, design, project management, manufacturing, installation, and service under one roof.

NKT’s Commitment to a Greener Future

Sustainability is central to NKT’s operations. By focusing on energy-efficient production methods, sustainable shipping practices with the methanol-powered NKT Eleonora, and local talent development, the company aims to minimize its environmental footprint while maximizing its global impact.

The expansion is a critical milestone not only for NKT but for Europe’s transition to a sustainable energy future—supporting the EU’s goals for carbon neutrality and energy independence.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • World’s largest offshore cable factory (Karlskrona, Sweden)

  • Investment: EUR 1 billion

  • New cable-laying vessel: NKT Eleonora (methanol-powered)

  • Up to 500 new jobs

  • Supports the electrification and green transition of Europe

Discover How NKT Powers the Future

Learn more about NKT’s innovation and expansion plans