Chinese shipbuilder Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) has begun construction on a new cable laying vessel for China's Far East Smart Energy for operation by its subsidiary Far East Cable.
The completed vessel will have a length of 148 metres, a beam of 38 metres, and accommodation for up to 100 personnel. It will be able to install cables in water depths as low as 150 metres.
The vessel will be fitted with a DP2 system and a dual-outlet rotating cable carousel. Both ZPMC and Far East Cable said it will be among the largest cable laying vessels in terms of carrying capacity in China.
The vessel will be equipped for cable repair, subsea umbilical installation, offshore wind maintenance, and installation of cables for inter-island, cross-sea and offshore wind power connections. Facilities will also be available for the installation and repair of submarine fibre-optic cables.
The vessel will be built in compliance with unrestricted ocean navigation requirements.
