P&O Maritime Logistics have announced plans to convert one of its Multi-Carrying Vessels (MCV’s) into a Cable-Laying Vessel (CLV). Powered by alternative energy, the vessel will be the first of its kind within the company’s expanding portfolio of specialised offshore products and services.
Set to start operations in the third quarter of 2024, the conversion aligns with P&O Maritime Logistics’ commitment to decarbonisation. The company’s newly converted vessel will be equipped with a state-of-the-art battery system, as well as a low-fuel consumption propulsion layout for green methanol fuel.
The new CLV will give P&O Maritime Logistics’ customers the ability to connect offshore structures and bring offshore energy onshore by installing export and inner array cables across vast distances. The company expects that one of the main uses of the vessel will be to connect offshore wind farms with the mainland.
CEO of P&O Maritime Logistics, Martin Helweg, stated: “The conversion of our vessel is a real step change. It means, apart from expanding our existing services and products into a more specialised offering, that we can also make a positive contribution to the decarbonisation of our industry. One way of doing this is by using alternative energy to power the converted vessel. The other important contribution is that the Cable Laying Vessel will predominately support the construction, development, and maintenance of existing and prospective wind farms. Lastly, and by repurposing an existing vessel, we are able to extend the lifetime of this particular product quite significantly to keep up with the increasing demand in the sector.”
Talking about the conversion, Project Manager at C-Job Naval Architects, Marc van der Zwaluw, commented: “We are pleased to support P&O Maritime Logistics with the design of a cable-laying vessel by repurposing an existing module carrier vessel. With the increasing demand in the offshore wind sector, this vessel will be able to meet the operational demands for the installation of next-generation windmill infrastructure thanks to its optimised deck layout. Furthermore, in close cooperation with P&O Maritime Logistics, we were able to create a design that was best suited to their operational profile. The design focused on optimised vessel performance and features a DP-2 positioning system and a low fuel consumption propulsion layout that is ready for green methanol fuel and zero emission operations.”
The conversion expands on the company’s recent success in Taiwan with the Topaz Installer. The newly converted vessel will have the ability to host up to 64 seafarers and features a single basket cable carousel with an outside diameter of 24 meters.
