Asso.subsea launches marine technology unit to advance subsea ops

Greece’s Asso.subsea has launched a Marine Technology Business Unit, a division focused on advancing shipbuilding, innovation, and sustainability in offshore energy. 

According to Asso.subsea, the unit will drive the development of marine assets, reinforcing the company’s fleet expansion strategy and enhancing its capabilities in subsea cable installation and protection.

The business unit’s launch coincides with the signing of Asso.subsea’s first shipbuilding contract under this initiative. The Althea is a cable-laying vessel designed for shallow-water operations. The vessel will address the challenge of subsea cable installation in areas that are otherwise difficult for larger vessels to access. 

Asso.subsea is said to leverage its experience in marine asset design, construction, and operation to develop custom-built, advanced tonnage that will support the growing need for subsea cable installation and protection.

“Our mission statement is quite simple: to innovate and deliver specialized vessels that enhance subsea installation capabilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations while supporting the global transition towards sustainable marine connectivity,” said Ioannis Togias, Executive Director of the Marine Technology Business Unit. 

“The construction of the Althea, which marks the starting point of this exciting journey, represents our commitment to our mission statement. Specially designed for shallow-water operations, the Althea will enable Asso.subsea to access areas that larger vessels cannot, ensuring efficient and environmentally responsible cable laying and protection.”

According to Asso.subsea, the Marine Technology Business Unit is set to redefine the future of marine engineering, shipbuilding, and subsea operations, with a focus on meeting the offshore energy sector’s evolving needs. 

“Our collaboration with the esteemed China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard ensures that this vessel will set new standards in efficiency and sustainability, strengthening our ability to meet the growing demand for offshore power cable installation,” Togias added.

In August 2024, one of the vessels provided by Asso.subsea arrived in New York for its subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable assignment at the Big Apple’s $6 billion clean energy transmission project.