VARD-built cable layer destined for Danish subsea specialist prepping for sea trials

Denmark’s subsea specialist NCT Offshore is planning to carry out sea trials for its new cable-laying vessel (CLV) constructed by Norway’s ship designer and shipbuilder VARD later this month.

NCT placed the order for the 95-meter-long CLV Freja with VARD in early 2023, with Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway, in charge of the design, Vard Tulcea in Romania building the hull, and final outfitting, commissioning and delivery to be carried out by one of the company’s shipyards in Norway.

VARD reported on July 9 that it had launched the new build 962 at Vard Shipyards in Tulcea, after which the vessel made its way to Norway from Romania.

According to NCT, Freja was moved from the Vard Langsten covered enclosure to the outfitting quayside last week, in preparation for the mobilization of the 10t SWL main crane and the final top mast section

Sea trials are planned later in November, after which the final outfitting and commissioning activities will be completed.

The CLV will be capable of providing turnkey array cable transport and installation scopes of work for the offshore renewable industry, NCT said. It will be a diesel-electric DP2 vessel, fitted with a hybrid battery package, single-cabin accommodation for 60 persons, two cable carousels with 3.500+ ton cable carrying capacity, and an innovative walk-to-work system.

Follow Offshore Energy’s Subsea on social media: