Methanol automation order for Jan De Nul’s XL cable-layers lands in Finland

Valmet, a Finland-headquartered developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, has received an order for a marine methanol fuel automation control system for two cable-laying vessels (CLV) being built in China for Jan De Nul.

The order was made by Valmet’s value-added reseller (VAR) partner China Merchants Industry Digital Technology and was included in orders received in the fourth quarter 2024.

The delivery includes the application of methanol control system and methanol safety system with a total of 1000 I/O, four communication ports, and remote access, among which the methanol safety system meets SIL2 requirements.

According to Valmet, the value of the order will not be disclosed.

“Valmet DNA has strong processing capability and reliability, which can meet the high safety standard of Jan De Nul. I am confident the investment will support Jan De Nul in leading a green and low-carbon operating model in the subsea cable business,” said Gavin Wang, Marine Sales Manager, Automation Systems at Valmet.

The vessels will be built at the China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) shipyard. Jan De Nul announced in October 2023 that it had placed an order for an extra-large CLV, followed by an order in May 2024 for another vessel identical to the first one.

Named Fleeming Jenkin and William Thomson, the vessels will have three carousels and a cable-carrying capacity of 28,000 tonnes, and are expected to be the largest CLVs in the world.

They will be 215 meters long and will be powered by biofuel and green methanol. The vessels will be capable of laying cables in both shallow and ultra-deep waters up to 3,000 meters and handling cable tensions of up to 150 tonnes.

Fleeming Jenkin, which will be delivered in 2026, has already been booked for its first projects.

“Valmet has experience in green fuel supply system control. Their technical expertise can add value to our operations,” said Philippe Hermans, Manager Vessel Construction, Jan De Nul.