Liander and Open Dutch Fiber partner on excavation efficiency
Floris van den Broek (left) and Sarike van Wette (right). Image courtesy Liander
Dutch electricity and gas network operator Liander is joining forces with fiber optic network operator Open Dutch Fiber (ODF) to prevent excavation damage from network repair and expansion, as well as sharing best practices to improve process efficiency.
The operators signed a cooperation agreement to prevent damage to underground infrastructure in the future as much as possible.
The agreements cover work on telecommunications lines such as fiber optic cables in ODF project areas, where Liander has energy infrastructure.
This collaboration increases awareness of underground work, making it possible to improve or adjust processes. This means clearer and easily understandable work instructions for the execution of work.
The aim is to prevent damage that may result from the installation of the fiber optic network or the expansion of energy infrastructure and compliance with laws and regulations.
With the agreement, Liander and ODF are continuing a working method that leads to very little damage. Previous cooperation agreements between the two, they state in a release, have led to 40% less excavation damage to the Liander networks due to work on the fiber optic network.
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Stated Sarike van Wette, director of maintenance and disruptions at Liander: “After the previous cooperation agreement with another large telecom network operator, we are now also going to take a new step in preventing excavation damage with ODF.
“We do this by learning from each other, exchanging information and making clear agreements and guidelines for both parties. Together we increase safety for our employees and local residents and reduce the risk of energy interruptions due to excavation damage for our customers.”
According to Liander, excavation damage is one of the main causes of disruption to the gas and electricity networks, leaving households without electricity or gas.
Liander is busy expanding its electricity networks and making the existing gas networks future-proof.
Electricity cables, gas pipes, water pipes, telecommunications cables and sewerage are located underground in the Netherlands.
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At the same time, more and more households are being connected to the fiber optic network, which is being further expanded.
Beyond damage prevention, repairing cables and pipes also requires workforce capacity, which Liander requires to resolve other disruptions while also expanding the gas and electricity networks.
ODF is also experiencing delays in expanding the fiber optic network in the Netherlands. It is therefore becoming increasingly busy in the subsurface.
Liander is thus looking for cooperation with fiber optic network companies so that work can be done more safely, the risk of damage is reduced and the operator’s technician capacity can be better utilised.
Commented Floris van den Broek, CEO of Open Dutch Fiber: “We are happy with our collaboration with Liander. This ensures that working in the (often busy) underground becomes safer.
“We keep each other informed of our work at all levels in both organisations, so that we can respond early and quickly to the often location-related challenges that the projects entail.”
