Vard designs chosen for new Orange Marine cable layers

Orange Marine, the marine subsidiary of the French undersea cable company, Orange Group, has ordered two cable repair ships of VARD 9 03 design at Colombo Dockyard. The vessels will be similar to the cable layer, CS Sophie Germain, delivered in July 2023.

Vard developed the design of the fibre optic cable-laying and repair vessel specifically with its client’s requirements in mind. Priorities included good sea-keeping capabilities and low fuel consumption. 

The Fincantieri subsidiary continues to expand in the power and telecom cable-laying and repair sector. The company has now designed and/or built nine cable-laying vessels and, with these orders, now has five vessels under construction.

Vard Design’s Kjell Morten Urke, general manager, said: “We highly appreciate that the close cooperation between Orange Marine, Colombo Dockyard and Vard now result in another two vessel designs for the fibre optic cable ship segment. We are also proud of the strong portfolio we have established within cable-laying vessel design. Our engineers are doing an outstanding job in developing new vessel solutions for this market segment, working closely with both ship owners and operators to ensure optimal functionality, efficiency and long‑term value.”

Vard’s relationship with Orange Marine dates back to 2012 when it was selected for the design and construction of a vessel of VARD 9 01 design, with similar capabilities.