Ulstein Verft signs new shipbuilding contract on a cable laying vessel for Nexans
On 19 September 2023, Nexans Marine Operations AS and Ulstein Verft entered into a contract 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, which was delivered in 2021.
“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. We are looking forward to working with Ulstein for this new exciting project,” says Pascal Radue, Nexans EVP Generation & Transmission.
Ulstein is excited to see Nexans return to Ulstein Verft for the construction of a new cable laying vessel. In 2021, Ulstein delivered the Nexans Aurora on time despite the challenges faced during the Covid pandemic. This continues Ulstein’s long-standing history of delivering vessels to the agreed quality and timeline. “We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Nexans and are very pleased that Nexans again trusts Ulstein Verft with the new addition to its fleet,” states Ulstein Group’s CEO, Cathrine Kristiseter Marti. The new vessel is based on the Nexans Aurora design developed by Skipsteknisk, which is now playing an important role in Nexans’ turnkey supply of advanced subsea high voltage systems. These systems support the global electrification effort, providing vital connections between countries and regions, enabling offshore renewable solutions, and supporting electrification for various offshore installations.
Specially designed to carry out the transport and laying of various types of subsea cables, including cable bundles and repair work, the vessel is engineered to perform effectively even in challenging weather conditions. It boasts exceptional manoeuvrability and station-keeping capabilities. Ulstein Verft is responsible for the vessel’s construction and the preparation of its topside equipment. The cutting-edge 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 3,500-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 designed to accommodate a crew of 90.
“We are experienced in constructing large and complex vessels and we look forward to commencing the work on the cable laying vessel for Nexans,” says Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director at Ulstein Verft.
For over 120 years, Nexans has played a crucial role in global electrification. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced cable systems and services.
Norway-headquartered Ulstein Group is a family-owned company established in 1917, specialising in ship design, shipbuilding, systems, and services for the maritime market.
Skipsteknisk, the ship design company behind the ST-297 CLV, was established in 1976 and designs specialised vessels with emphasis on offshore, research, and fisheries.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 45 No.5 Issue last October 31, 2023.
