French shipowner LD Armateurs has announced plans to acquire three platform supply vessels (PSVs) currently under construction and convert them into specialized cable-laying vessels, a move aimed at strengthening the company’s offshore cable operations.
According to the shipowner, the three PSVs are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2027. They will subsequently be sent to a specialized shipyard for the installation of systems and equipment required for subsea cable laying and repair operations. The converted vessels are expected to enter service in early 2028.
Following the retrofit, each cable-laying vessel will have a submarine cable-carrying capacity of 2,800 tonnes. Its configuration is suited for a wide range of operational scenarios, including the laying and repair of submarine cables, as well as complex projects that demand high operational flexibility and rapid response capabilities. Furthermore, the vessel will be equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
LD Armateurs states: “Drawing on 25 years of experience in providing subsea telecommunication cable laying and repair services to our clients, we have decided to invest in our own new fleet of cable-laying vessels. Our goal is to support the continued growth of the telecommunications industry and proactively address the need for fleet modernization—a necessity driven by the dual challenges of aging assets and limited capacity across the global fleet.”