DEME has placed an order for a new advanced Offshore Construction Vessel (OCV) to strengthen its subsea cable installation capabilities in response to growing global demand in the offshore wind market.
The versatile vessel will perform trenching, burial, and cable-laying operations, complementing DEME’s existing cable installation fleet, including the “Living Stone” and “Viking Neptun”.
Designed by Norwegian firm SALT 310, the 123-meter vessel will feature:
- A DP2 dynamic positioning system
- A 150-ton active heave-compensated offshore crane
- A hangar for two Work Class ROVs
- A hybrid 1,000-kWh battery system
- Methanol-ready propulsion for future fuel flexibility
Below deck, the OCV is designed to carry two 2,500-ton cable carousels, allowing efficient switching between trenching, burial, and laying tasks. It can accommodate up to 123 personnel.
Trenching and burial are essential phases in subsea cable installation, ensuring cables are safely embedded below the seabed using ROV trenchers. The new vessel will work alongside DEME’s specialized cable installation fleet.
The OCV represents a significant investment and will be built by PaxOcean Engineering Zhoushan Co.Ltd (POEZ) in China, a subsidiary of Singapore-based PaxOcean, with delivery expected in 2028.
Hugo Bouvy, Managing Director of Offshore Energy at DEME, stated: “With over 5,000 km of subsea cables installed in wind farms across Europe and the United States, DEME remains committed to supporting clients with efficient and reliable offshore project execution. This new OCV will further enhance our cable installation capabilities and expand our versatile fleet and service offerings.”