The grand blocks for a state-of-the-art cable layer have begun assembly at a Polish yard to meet its expected delivery in 2021.
Nexans hosted a grand block ceremony for their new cable installation vessel, the Nexans Aurora. The vessel will be completed at Ulstein Verft in Norway.
The grand blocks for the hull are currently being assembled at CRIST, Poland, and representatives from the owner, shipbuilders, ship designer and other partnering companies were present at the celebration.
The design is based on the combined experience of Nexans, Skipsteknisk, Ulstein Verft and MAATS Tech, each among the world leading in producing subsea cables, umbilical systems and installation vessels for worldwide operations.
Ragnhild Katteland, CEO Nexans Norway, said, “The building of this groundbreaking cable laying vessel is a major milestone in our company’s long term strategy heading for the future in the energy market, and with the Grand Block Ceremony, we are one step further. To maintain our position as an important turnkey player in the field of submarine cables, contributing to securing the world’s energy supply by installing cable connections all around the world and contributing to the environmental green shift Nexans Aurora will be a most crucial asset.”
“The vessel is well prepared for complex construction tasks in severe weather conditions anywhere in the world. Ulstein Verft will carry out the final outfitting, commissioning and testing prior to the vessel’s delivery in 2021, and we are well prepared and eager to finalize this newbuild project for Nexans,” said Ulstein Verft managing director Lars Lühr Olsen.
With a large 10,000-tonne capacity split turntable, the DP3 cable laying vessel represents a next step in offshore renewables. She will be outfitted for power cable laying, including bundle laying, cable jointing and repair and cable system protection and trenching. The vessel is developed for operations in rough weather and has high manoeuvrability and station keeping capabilities.
By Jake Frith
