Ulstein retained for cable-layer design

Malaysia-headquartered Megamas Resources has signed up Ulstein Design & Solutions AS to begin the engineering phase of a fibre-optic cable-laying vessel to be built at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven in Germany. The contract was announced during Nor-Shipping in Oslo.

The vessel will be based on an 8,200dwt Ulstein SX228 design with a cable capacity of 5,500 tonnes. The 122m-long vessel has been optimised for fibre-optic cable laying and is designed ready for power cable installation in the future. This includes an underdeck carousel integrated into the cable tanks.

The vessel will have two firing lines and all cable-handling equipment will be located within an enclosed working area, ensuring safe and efficient operation in challenging environments at sea. It will also have a remotely operated vehicle hangar for the cable trencher, a 50-tonne A-frame, and a bollard pull of up to 120 tonnes.  

Megamas managing partner, Capt. Tiew Sien Kheng, said: “The contract marks a significant milestone following the Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in May between Megamas and Lloyd Werft, paving the way for the potential construction of a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose cable laying vessel.”

He revealed that conceptual design work had begun in autumn 2023, adding that Ulstein and Lloyd Werft will jointly contribute their expertise to deliver a high-specification, specialised vessel.  

A statement from the Ulstein design company, which has offices in Ulsteinvik and Rotterdam, said: “The Ulstein SX228 has been designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability. Our team, alongside Lloyd Werft, is committed to delivering a vessel that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the subsea telecommunications and renewable energy industries. This contract is a testament to our long expertise in offshore ship designs.”