Nexans Marine Operations has contracted Ulstein Verft for the construction of a large DP3 cable laying vessel. The vessel, an ST-297 CLV design by Skipsteknisk, is an updated version of the Nexans Aurora, delivered in 2021.

The contract signing took place on 19 September.

‘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 an important factor in deciding on the shipyard Ulstein Verft yet again,’ says Pascal Radue, Nexans EVP Generation & Transmission.

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Based on Nexans Aurora

The new vessel is based on the Nexans Aurora design, as developed by Skipsteknisk, which now plays an important role in Nexans’ turn-key supply of advanced subsea high voltage systems to support electrification, including providing connections between countries and regions, offshore renewable solutions as well as electrification solutions for other offshore installations.

Also read: Nexans names its new cable laying vessel Nexans Aurora

The vessel is specially designed to carry out the transport and laying of various types of subsea cables, including cable bundles as well as recovery and repair. It can perform effectively in challenging weather conditions with good manoeuvrability and station-keeping capabilities. Ulstein Verft is responsible for the vessel’s construction and the preparation of its topside equipment.

The cable laying vessel features a split turntable on deck capable of holding up to 10,000 tonnes of cable, an under-deck turntable with a 3500-tonne cable capacity, and a fibre optic basket holding 450 tonnes. The vessel measures 31 metres in width, 149.9 metres in length, and is accommodated for a crew of ninety.

Picture by Skipsteknisk.

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