NKT’s cable-layer undergoes upgrades due to growing market demand

Following certification to use biofuels for the vessel, Denmark-based power cable manufacturer and installation company NKT has made a number of upgrades on its cable-laying vessel (CLV) NKT Victoria, said to be prompted by growing market demand and customer requirements.

With the aim of boosting its offshore installation capabilities, NKT has increased the load capacity of the vessel from the previous 9,000 tons to 11,000 tons, confirmed by DNV.

Furthermore, the CLV has been upgraded with an additional Azimuth retractable thruster, placed in the middle of the hull, for improved positioning, as well as an elevated horizontal lay system (EHLS) customized for design for installation of dynamic power cables.

According to NKT, NKT Victoria has also received an integrated jet plough enabling reliable simultaneous laying and burial operations.

“With these recent technical enhancements, we maintain [NKT Victoria’s] position at the forefront of energy efficiency and operational accuracy. The continued upgrades are extending our in-house installation capabilities preparing to meet future demands for efficient and reliable execution,” said Darren Fennell, NKT’s Executive Vice President and Head of HV Solutions in Karlskrona.

To minimize its carbon footprint, NKT Victoria uses power-from-shore during cable loading, along with onboard technologies like Azipod propulsion units, energy storage system, and ABB Marine’s Onboard DC Grid, said to significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Additionally, the vessel last year obtained certification to operate using the biofuel hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

NKT is currently expanding its fleet by adding a second CLV, named NKT Eleonora, scheduled to become operational in 2027.