Ulstein to Build Next-Generation Cable Layer in Norway

French-based electrification company Nexans has entered into a shipbuilding contract with Ulstein Group shipyard Ulstein Verft for the construction of a large DP3 cable laying vessel in Norway.

The vessel is an updated and improved version of Nexans’ current flagship, the 2021-built Nexans Aurora, and is based on the ST-297 CLV design by Skipsteknisk.

The new vessel will work alongside Nexans’ two other cable laying vessels to help supply of advanced subsea high voltage systems, including interconnections between countries, offshore renewable solutions, and electrification of offshore installations.

The new vessel is designed for transporting and laying large subsea cables, including recovery and repair. It will be capable of laying up to four cables simultaneously for large-scale projects and is developed for challenging weather conditions, with advanced maneuverability and station-keeping abilities. The vessel will feature a split turntable on deck with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes, an under-deck turntable with a capacity of 3,500t, and a fibre optic basket holding 450t. It will measure 149.9 meters in length, 31m in width, and can accommodate a crew of 90.

Ulstein Verft will be responsible for construction and preparing its topside equipment at its yard in Ulsteinvik, Norway.

“Ulstein is excited to see Nexans return to Ulstein Verft for the construction of a new cable laying vessel,” states Ulstein Group’s CEO, Cathrine Kristiseter Marti. “In 2021, we delivered the Nexans Aurora on time despite the challenges we faced with handling the Covid pandemic. This adds to our long history of delivering vessels to the agreed quality and time.”

Nexan said the addition of a new vessel will help meet the growing demand for electrification, particularly in the American and European markets. The investment is driven by a significant project backlog and recent contracts wins, including a historic €1.7 billion agreement with TenneT and a €1.43 billion contract for the EuroAsia Interconnector project.

“We awarded the contract for a new vessel to Ulstein after an extensive tendering process, where Ulstein’s track record, including the delivery of Nexans Aurora, was important factors in deciding on the shipyard Ulstein Verft yet again,” says Pascal Radue, Nexans EVP Generation & Transmission.

The shipbuilding contract was awarded by Nexans Marine Operations AS.

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