Nexans has marked the next step in the construction of its Nexans Aurora cable installation vessel with a grand block ceremony.
The vessel’s hull is currently being built at the CRIST shipyard in Poland. It will be completed at Ulstein Verft in Norway, with delivery planned for 2021.
The grand blocks are the major components in the construction of the hull. They are being assembled at CRIST, in the Polish port of Gdynia.
The Aurora design is based on the combined experience of Nexans, Skipsteknisk, Ulstein Verft, and MAATS Tech. The aim is to produce a subsea cable and umbilical systems installation vessel for worldwide operations, covering the full range of shallow and deep subsea activities.
Ragnhild Katteland , Vice President Subsea & Land Systems said that ”… the capability to install cables at even greater depths will contribute to securing the world’s energy supply and advancing the shift to environmentally friendly green electricity from renewables. Nexans Aurora will be a crucial asset.”
Designed by Skipsteknisk, the ST-297 CLV has a 31m long beam and can accommodate up to 90 persons. The 150m Aurora also has a 10,000 ton capacity, split turntable, and a deadweight of 17,000t.
MAATS Tech will supply a deck spread for the vessel, while Palfinger Marine will provide a major deck equipment package .
The vessel will be outfitted for power cable laying, including bundle laying, cable jointing, repair, cable system protection, and trenching, Ulstein began the construction of Nexans Aurora in February.
According to Lars Lühr Olsen , managing director at Ulstein Verft, “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.”