A new cable-laying vessel is being built at the Ulstein shipyard in Norway. The power and propulsion system will be supplied by ABB.
The cable-laying vessel (CLV) is being built on behalf of the French company Nexans[ds_preview].
Delivery is planned for 2026. Alongside the “Nexans Skagerrak” and the “Nexans Aurora” – also equipped with ABB technology – the newbuild will be the third and most modern CLV in the Nexans fleet.
The integrated ABB system, which includes power generation and distribution, energy storage and electric propulsion, will enable the new CLV to perform its cable laying, recovery and repair tasks safely and efficiently.
With a closed-loop configuration that allows for high fault tolerance and optimal use of motors in dynamic positioning (DP), the system will minimize the risk of power failure, increasing safety and reliability while maximizing operational flexibility and fuel efficiency, the manufacturer said.
ABB equips third Nexans vessel
The onboard energy storage system (ESS) is also designed to reduce the operating hours of the engines in order to minimize their wear and tear. In addition, the ESS provides a spinning reserve and the ability to absorb power peaks by serving as a backup power source in the event of an engine failure and supporting the energy-intensive operation of the vessel.
“Following the success of ‘Nexans Aurora’, ABB is proud to be involved in this project to supply the new sister ship,” said Rune Braastad, Global Business Line Manager, Marine Systems, ABB Marine & Ports.
In addition to the main system components – generator, switchboards, transformers, frequency converters, motors, DC switchboard for batteries and ESS – the scope of supply also includes the Remote Diagnostic System (RDS) for propulsion. It improves system performance and minimizes the need for on-site service thanks to precise and timely fault detection and continuous monitoring of the device status.
