French cabling specialist Nexans is expanding its fleet with the addition of a new cable laying vessel.
The newbuild, with improved design, comfort and capabilities, will add to the company’s cable layers Nexans Aurora and Nexans Skagerrak when delivered in 2026.
The shipyard and the price tag have yet to be disclosed, but Nexans said the investment would support increasing demand for electrification, especially in the American and European markets, driven by a record project backlog.
The company recently secured the historic $1.87bn contract with TenneT and a $1.6bn deal for EuroAsia Interconnector project.
The vessel, described as unique and pioneering, will be able to lay four cables simultaneously, with its three turntables, offering a 13,500-tonne loading capacity. It will sport an advanced hybrid power system and be capable of running on a biodiesel mix.
Vincent Dessale, Nexans chief operations officer and senior executive vice president said: “This new vessel will be the most technologically advanced cable layer ever deployed. Fitted with a range of high-tech cable installation and burial equipment, it will enhance the capabilities of our subsea cable operations to tackle projects on an unprecedented scale.”
Other cabling players have also invested in their fleets on the back of the booming offshore wind and interconnection market. Italy’s Prysmian is building a ship at Vard for delivery in 2025, while Danish cable maker NKT plans to have a newbuild ready by 2027.
