Germany: NSW Charters DP2 Vessel from Meriaura

Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke GmbH (NSW) has agreed to long-term charter the DP2 vessel MV Aura from the Finnish Meriaura Ltd for use in subsea cable installation projects in the North and Baltic Sea. Under the terms of the agreement NSW will charter the vessel starting in summer 2012.

Constructed in 2008, the vessel will be converted by the owner according to NSW’s demands and will be part of NSW’s second installation spread. With a length of approx. 100 m and a width of 25 m, it offers the required space and auxiliary power supply for cable installation equipment such as a heavy-duty trencher (1600 kW), a heave-compensated offshore crane and a turntable suited for all types of subsea power cables.

NSW has already successfully produced and installed submarine power cables for various offshore wind farm projects and island connections, using its installation spread of the NOSTAG 10 in combination with the vertical injector technology.

Thorsten Schwarz, Managing Director NSW: „With this second installation spread, we are perfectly equipped to offer our customers the best installation solution and can flexibly react to the needs of this highly demanding market. This agreement with a proven partner such as Meriaura enhances our commitment to quality and our position as turnkey cabling supplier in the offshore wind market.”

“This contract shows our continuous commitment to achieve sustainable growth through engagement in renewable energy logistics at sea, by developing cost-efficient and reliable solutions at high standard level. This contract is significant in the 25 year history of our company”, says Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of Meriaura Ltd. “The trust NSW hereby has put into our company is most appreciated.”

Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke GmbH (NSW), a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Cable since 2007, has been one of the world’s leading companies in the field of submarine telecommunication cables for over 111 years. During the last five years, NSW has established itself in the market for submarine power cables, in particular for renewable energies. NSW and its more than 500 employees advise and support customers all over the world.

General Cable Corporation (NYSE:BGC), a Fortune 500 Company, is a global leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for the energy, industrial, and communications markets.

Meriaura Ltd. is a Finnish shipping company operating a fleet of 16 vessels and specializing in marine transportation, project forwarding and marine logistics management. Our industrial dry bulk operations consist of agribulk, biofuels, recyclables, minerals, forest products and forest industry wood supply. The company also has a long tradition of transporting different types of demanding project cargo, from heavy power plant equipment to diesel engines, wind turbines and related components. In recent years Meriaura has become a major offshore transport service provider for wind and other energy projects in North Europe and the Baltic Sea areas. The multipurpose open deck and heavy cargo carrier MV Aura has participated in various demanding offshore wind energy projects.

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Offshore WIND  Staff, March 01, 2012