A rapidly growing number of offshore wind farms around the world has motivated the Piriou Group of France to develop a new design for a cable layer that can both lay and repair fibre-optical and energy cables.

The 100m by 18m slender-hull low-profile vessel will make use of diesel/electric propulsion incorporating a 3,200kW system capable of furnishing a 12-knot service speed with a fuel burn rate of less than ten tonnes per day.

The operating range/duration of the new ship will be 35 days or 10,000 miles and it will be equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) hanger as well as accommodation for a crew of 49 plus 27 technicians. Jim Shaw