On March 3, Greek offshore contractor Asso.subsea announced on its official website that it has exercised its option to commission China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) Shenzhen Shipyard to build its second next-generation Subsea Trenching Support Vessel (TSV), which is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2028.
The newly signed vessel is named “Andromeda”, a sister vessel to “Avra”, which was ordered in September 2025 and is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2027.
The validity of this option vessel will further solidify the partnership between Asso.subsea and CMHI Shenzhen Shipyard, with three vessels currently under construction between the two companies. The other vessel is the new cable-laying vessel “Althea”, ordered in early 2025 and also scheduled for delivery in 2027.
With identical technical specifications to Avra, Andromeda represents a deliberate capacity expansion strategy. Designed as a double-redundant DP-2 vessel with a record-breaking 24 MW of installed hybrid power, she ranks among the most powerful Trenching Support Vessels ever constructed.
Purpose-built to execute the most demanding trenching, ploughing and subsea intervention campaigns, Andromeda enables the simultaneous deployment of two advanced trenching vehicles, even in challenging offshore conditions, significantly enhancing project efficiency and schedule certainty.
With twin working decks, extensive deck machinery and prepared for a 4,000t under-deck cable carousel, she offers exceptional operational flexibility across dynamic cable spreads, floating wind installations, inter-array, and export cable campaigns.
In addition, the vessel is designed to be compatible with methanol and biofuels, and is equipped with a large battery hybrid power system and shore power system to achieve emission reduction targets.
“The contract signing for the construction of Andromeda reflects our proactive response to the accelerating demand for high-performance trenching solutions,” said Ioannis Togias, Executive Director of Marine Technology. “By declaring this first option and introducing a second vessel with identical capabilities to Avra, we ensure operational flexibility and parallel deployment options for our clients worldwide.”
The Andromeda stands as a cornerstone of Asso.subsea’s long-term investment strategy, addressing the increasing complexity, scale, and urgency of global offshore energy developments. With two identical next-generation TSVs and one advanced Cable Laying Vessel under construction, Asso.subsea continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of trenching innovation and subsea project execution.