Dutch cable recovery vessel starts sailing

Holland Shipyard Group has delivered a cable recovery vessel to compatriot shipping company Hudig & Veder which will be chartered to retrieve and recycle subsea cables.

The cable recovery vessel Maasvliet is the first of five CIP3800 vessels that will be delivered for Hudig & Veder, with the first three to be operated by Hartel Shipping. This series of vessels has future-fuel-ready capabilities, allowing for potential conversion to alternative fuels.

The vessel was launched on January 11 at the shipyard facilities in Nantong, China, after which it was transported to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, alongside sister vessel Rijnvliet. At Hardinxveld, Giesendam, Holland Shipyard Group completed the final outfitting and commissioning work before delivery to Hartel Shipping the same month.

The 89.43-meter-long Maasvliet is specifically equipped to retrieve and transport subsea cables, destined for cable decommissioning and repurposing projects. According to Holland Shipyards, the vessel features an advanced diesel-electric propulsion system and benefits from the Vliet series’ advanced environmental features. It can also be prepared for battery hybrid installation.

This vessel will be chartered by Subsea Environmental Services to retrieve and recycle subsea cables.

This delivery is part of Hartel Shipping’s fleet modernization program. The next two vessels are scheduled for delivery throughout 2025, with Rijnvliet expected to join the fleet in Q2 2025.