VARD’s new cable-laying vessel making its way to Norwegian waters (Video)

Norwegian ship designer and shipbuilder VARD is looking forward to welcoming to Norway a cable-laying vessel (CLV) it is constructing for Denmark’s subsea specialist NCT Offshore.

Following NCT’s order for a 95-meter-long CLV in early 2023, Vard Design in Norway was responsible for the design of the ship while Vard Tulcea in Romania had the hull-building task.

However, the final outfitting, commissioning, and delivery are to be carried out by one of the Norwegian player’s shipyards in Norway. The new build (NB) 962, also known as Freja, was launched last month at Vard Shipyards in Tulcea.

According to the Norwegian shipbuilder, the vessel is now on its way to Vard Langsten in Norway, after leaving Vard Shipyards Romania – Tulcea. The CLV is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2024.

Aleksander Ellingsæter, Ass. Project Manager at VARD Group, highlighted: “VARD newbuild 962 departing Vard Shipyards Romania Tulcea heading to Norway and Vard Langsten for final outfitting and commissioning before delivery.

“Fantastic work and dedication by our VARD team in Tulcea together with shipowner NCT Offshore A/S to reach this major milestone. Busy days and months ahead, looking forward to her arrival at VARD Langsten!”

With a beam of 21,5 meters, the 95-meter cable layer vessel is based on a VARD 9 01 design and will have two carousels for cable laying with a capacity of 2,500 tones and 1,750 tones, respectively.

Fitted with a hybrid battery package, this vessel is a diesel-electric DP2 ship, with single-cabin accommodation for 60 persons, two cable carousels with 3.500+ ton cable carrying capacity, and an innovative walk-to-work system.

NCT Offshore explained: “Freja is a state of the art vessel that will provide high-quality performance and flexibility for our clients in the offshore industries. She is designed with the highest focus on environmental sustainability, station-keeping, safety, and efficiency.

“We now look forward to the vessel being finally outfitted and commissioned in Norway prior to planned delivery at the end of this year, after which she will be ready to serve our clients globally.”

VARD's new cable layer sets sail to Norwegian waters

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VARD has been busy with multiple new vessels, including those for the subsea industry, as confirmed by the recent arrival of Prysmian’s CLV Monna Lisa at Vard’s shipyard in Norway from Romania, with outfitting completion, installation of main mission equipment and trials now on schedule.