Outfitting of Nexans Electra begins at Ulstein

The hull of the cable-laying vessel, Nexans Electra, has arrived at Ulstein Verft in Norway following a voyage from the Crist shipyard in Poland. The outfitting and completion of the complex vessel has now begun in the yard’s under-cover dock hall in preparation for delivery next year.

Work will include outfitting, electrical installations, insulation, piping, and installation of key components such as the main generator set, power system, deck machinery, winches, and topside equipment. 

The Nexans Electra is to have a split turntable on deck capable of storing and releasing up to 10,000 tonnes of cable. It will also have an under-deck turntable with cable capacity of 3,500 tonnes, and a fibre optic tank with a 450-tonne capacity. 

The 155m-long vessel, with a beam of 31m, is designed to ship and lay large volumes of HVDC and HVAC cable systems. It will be adaptable to meet future clients’ requirements and capable of undertaking complex subsea construction operations in deep waters.

The cable layer, designed by Skipsteknik, is similar to the Nexans Aurora which was delivered by Ulstein in 2021. The vessel is specifically designed to lay Nexans submarine products, including bundles, as well as recovering and repairing these systems. It is highly manoeuvrable and stable, enabling effective operation in challenging weather conditions at sea. Its sustainability features include high-capacity shore power systems, an energy storage system, and biofuel compatibility.