The DOF Group, which specializes in offshore operations, is parting ways with the “Skandi Connector” cable ship built in 2016. The buyer is the South Korean company Taihan Cable & Solution.
The “Skandi Connector” is the second cable laying vessel (CLV) specially designed for offshore wind energy to be put into service in South Korea. The vessel is scheduled to be handed over in August; both parties to the contract have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
The “Skandi Connector” (10,678 GT) was built by the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group and is 138 meters long. To date, it has been deployed on 27 projects and has laid a total of 1,300 km of submarine cables.
By operating two CLVs – the other is the “Palos”, which was delivered to Taihan in 2024 – the Korean energy company says it has established a dual-track installation system. This enables the use of the vessel that best suits the specific project characteristics and the respective installation conditions. The “Skandi Connector” is intended to expand capacities for laying inter-array and export cables.
“This investment is of particular importance as it comes amidst a rapidly growing demand for large format cable-laying vessels – driven by the global expansion of offshore wind energy and increasing investment in cross-border power grids,” says Taihan. By acquiring a “highly specialized CLV” that is immediately ready for use – instead of having a new vessel built – the company is now in a position to implement more projects. At the same time, the “global discrepancy between supply and demand” has been proactively addressed. While the offshore wind sector is growing, the expansion of the fleet is not proceeding at the same pace.
“The company also believes that this acquisition will contribute to the stability of national power grid projects and national energy security by reducing dependence on foreign vessels,” Taihan continued. “In addition to operating its own fleet, Taihan plans to explore further business opportunities by offering ship chartering services.”
