Ulstein Verft to Build New DP3 Cable Laying Vessel for Nexans

Nexans Subsea Operations and Ulstein Verft have signed a contract for the construction of a large, DP3 cable laying vessel, to be named Nexans Aurora and delivered in 2021.

“The contract was won in tough, international competition. We look forward to a constructive and fruitful cooperation with Nexans in the years to come,” Ulstein Group CEO Gunvor Ulstein said.

Designed by Norwegian company Skipsteknisk, the vessel 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, according to Ulstein Verft, which will construct the vessel and prepare for the topside equipment.

“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 Kristian Sætre, managing director at Ulstein Verft.

The cable laying vessel has a turntable with a large cable capacity of 10,000 tonnes, and its fibre optic basket holds 450 tonnes. The vessel is 31 meters wide, 149.9 meters long, with a deadweight of 17,000 tonnes, and can accommodate 90 people.

NOTE: Article updated on 5 July to state that the vessel will be delivered in 2021.