To determine what load conditions (power ratings and load patterns) typical high voltage direct current (HVDC) mass impregnated paper insulated cables can be subjected to without risking cavity-induced dielectric breakdowns during a cool-down period after a power reduction or turn-off.

To establish an informal North Sea cable working group collaboration on HVDC link projects, potential sharing of spares holding and repair resources.

• Obtain a detailed physical understanding of the processes that lead to cavity formation and the importance of various operational, environmental and cable design parameters to these processes.

• Develop a numerical model that quantitatively describes the radial mass flow and cavity formation under load cycling.

• Determine the operational constraints for one or more HVDC subsea cables presently in service.