Greek offshore contractor Asso.subsea announced that on November 5, a steel-cutting ceremony was held at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Shenzhen), for the company’s newly commissioned DP-2 large cable-laying vessel, the “Althea”.
The milestone event, attended by representatives from Asso.subsea and CMHI, marks the physical start of a build that will deliver a vessel of exceptional capability and innovation. Althea is designed to be a versatile asset, capable of executing complex cable installation projects in both deep-water and critical shallow-water environments.
It is reported that this cable-laying vessel was independently designed by China Merchants Industry. With a length of 175 meters and a beam of 41.8 meters, it provides a safe and comfortable working and resting environment for 120 crew members.
The hull and systems design of the “Althea” meets shallow-water and grounding operation requirements. Equipped with a DP-2 dynamic positioning system and 12,000-ton and 4,000-ton powered rotary cable reels, the vessel can handle diverse cable-laying scenarios and possesses the capability to lay three cables simultaneously. It incorporates a diesel-electric hybrid power generation system and methanol-ready design to meet future carbon neutrality technology requirements.
Set for delivery in 2027, Althea will enhance Asso.subsea’s capabilities in complex subsea cable installation projects around the world. The vessel’s construction at CMHI, a shipyard renowned for its expertise in specialized offshore vessels, underscores Asso.subsea’s strategic commitment to investing in state-of-the-art technology and building the capacity needed for the future of offshore wind.
“The first steel cut for Althea marks the true beginning of an exciting journey”, said the Project Manager, Nikolaos Anastasiou. “This vessel, with its advanced DP-2 system and unique shallow-water aptitude, is purpose-built to meet the evolving challenges of the global offshore market. It represents our dedication to providing clients with innovative, reliable, and versatile solutions for the most complex subsea projects.”