Asso.subsea’s new cable-laying vessel to be built in China (Gallery)

Greece’s Asso.subsea has signed the shipbuilding contract for the construction of its new DP-2 cable-laying vessel (CLV), set to be built in China.

The cable layer named Althea will be built at the China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard, at Mazhou Island in Shenzen, with delivery set for the second quarter of 2027.

According to Asso.subsea, the vessel will be purpose-built for all types of challenging environments, including shallow waters and intertidal zones.

The CLV will have a 12,000-ton cable capacity in one, two, or three carousel divisions, designed for long sections and bundled cable laying. It will be equipped with a hybrid diesel and battery power generation plant, methanol-ready engines capable of running on bio-fuels and complying with IMO Tier III NOx emission standards, cold ironing capabilities and a number of energy-saving features.

Once delivered, Althea will join Ariadne and Atalanti in Asso.subsea’s cable-laying fleet.

Furthermore, Althea will feature nine thrusters, powered by a diesel-electric plant under a three-section split bus bar philosophy, and four spud-cans for positioning in shallow water.

It will offer accommodation for 120 personnel.