Van Oord’s new DP2 vessel is expected to enter service in 2023. Credit: Van Oord.

Dutch maritime contracting company Van Oord and Norwegian shipbuilder Vard have entered a deal for an eco-friendly cable-laying vessel.

According to the deal, the next-generation custom-built vessel will feature an intelligent cable lay control system and the latest sustainable technologies.

The 130m-long and 28m-wide hybrid vessel can run on biofuel and will feature ‘future fuel-ready engines with built-in flexibility to anticipate e-fuels’.

The sustainable set-up comprises of a large battery pack, a shore supply connection, and an advanced system to manage energy.

Expected to enter service in 2023, the new Dutch-flagged vessel will help the company boost its presence in the offshore wind market while supporting its net-zero emissions commitment.

Van Oord CEO Pieter van Oord said: “Van Oord is committed to reducing CO₂ emissions to become carbon-neutral by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement. This investment emphasises our commitment to net-zero emissions.”

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The vessel will primarily be deployed on inter-array grid and export cables of offshore wind projects.

With an 8,000t cable-carrying capacity, the new DP2 vessel will consist of a below-deck cable carousel and a second carousel on deck.

The vessel can install High Voltage Direct Current cables and operate Van Oord’s highly innovative cable trenchers.

The new addition will be the second cable-laying vessel for the maritime company.

Vard CEO Alberto Maestrini said: “We highly appreciate the close and excellent cooperation that has been established between Van Oord and Vard’s project teams to enable this innovative vessel within the renewable segment.

“Our ambition is to contribute to our customer’s achievements, through environmentally friendly vessels and technological solutions, focusing on safety, sustainability, and efficiency performance, and we are looking forward to developing this cable-layer together with Van Oord.”

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