The ScreenConnect project was initiated to address a critical reliability gap in offshore wind inter‑array cables, where existing standards did not adequately test or qualify metallic screen (earthing) connections under realistic offshore operating conditions. Variability in testing practices and a lack of endurance‑focused requirements had led to uncertainty around long‑term performance.

As a result of the ScreenConnect project, a new industry guideline has been developed, providing a recommended type test protocol for metallic screen connections in offshore wind cable terminations. The guideline consolidates technical findings and translates them into practical, industry‑ready guidance.  

The guideline sets out a clear approach for testing how these connections perform under long‑term operational and fault conditions, focusing on durability rather than electrical insulation, which is already covered by existing international standards. It builds on established industry work and introduces offshore‑specific improvements to better reflect real operating conditions. The testing approach includes sample preparation, repeated heating cycles, contact resistance measurements, IR thermography and visual inspection. Clear acceptance criteria are defined to ensure that only robust designs are qualified, even under worst‑case conditions.

The resulting guideline provides a consistent framework to improve confidence in screen‑connection performance, reduce maintenance risks and support harmonisation of testing practices across the offshore wind industry.

This report is published under the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) Cables Technical Working Group and was delivered by Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult).