Van Oord’s new, hybrid cable layer ready for its first offshore wind project

Van Oord’s new, next-generation cable-laying vessel (CLV) is getting ready for its first project with the pick up of inter-array cables destined for a UK offshore wind farm.

Calypso, Van Oord’s second CLV which will mostly be used for installing inter-array and export cables for offshore wind projects, is equipped with two cable carousels, which make it suitable for laying two cables simultaneously.

The hybrid CLV has future-ready engines with built-in flexibility to anticipate e-fuels aside from the ability to run on biofuel. In addition, it has a large battery pack, a shore supply connection, and an energy management system.

The Dutch company took delivery of the vessel from shipbuilder VARD on August 29, 2023, with christening taking place some ten days later in Rotterdam.

Van Oord reported today, September 11, that Calypso was gearing up for its debut as inter-array cables for the 1.4 GW Sofia offshore wind farm, RWE’s largest to date, had been loaded onto the vessel at the UK’s Port of Blyth.

Under a contract signed in 2021, Van Oord is responsible for the design, engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the monopile foundations and inter-array cables for the wind farm. Offshore wind installation vessel Aeolus and special service support vessel (SSSV) Baltic Explorer are currently also working on the project.