Main suppliers revealed for NKT’s second cable layer as it gets its name

Denmark-based power cable manufacturer and installation company NKT has named its new cable laying vessel (CLV) NKT Eleonora, meaning shining light.

According to NKT, the name is a reference to the company’s central position in transmitting power through its cable solutions and to the bright future ahead driven by the growth journey. Further, Ulrika Eleonora was a Danish princess with a German mother who became the queen of Sweden and her strong Nordic roots represents NKT’s Nordic heritage and strong presence across the Northern European countries.

On the back of a record order backlog and strong market outlook, NKT announced investments in a new high-voltage factory on the existing site in Karlskrona and the new vessel in May 2023, with both assets expected operational from 2027.

Salt Ship Design has completed the design of the 176-meter-long vessel and the construction is underway in collaboration with the Norwegian shipyard VARD.

“We are very pleased to welcome NKT Eleonora to our fleet. She is an important strategic asset which enhances our installation capacity and capabilities to ensure efficient project execution and meet the evolving demands of our clients. The decision to build a vessel designed to run on methanol is driven by our strong commitment to sustainability and connecting a greener world through our power cable solutions,” said Darren Fennell, Executive Vice President and Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona at NKT.

Building upon the operational experience and technology featured on NKT Victoria, the NKT Eleonora will represent the next generation in terms of design and capabilities. Equipped with three turntables, the vessel will offer a power cable-laying capacity of 23,000 tonnes and host a large range of subsea tooling.

The vessel will be able to run on both methanol and HVO/marine diesel oil and will feature Wärtsilä 32 methanol engines. ABB is supplying the onboard DC Grid power system and aft Azipod electrical propulsion, Wärtsilä the engine maker, front tunnel and azimuth thruster, and NOV REMACUT the cable lay system, cranes and mission equipment.