The hull of the state-of-the-art DP3 cable-laying vessel Nexans Electra arrived at Ulstein Verft on 5 July 2025. This marks the commencement of the outfitting and completion phase of the vessel.
Upon completion in 2026, she will feature a split turntable on deck capable of holding up to 10,000 tonnes of cable, an under-deck turntable with a 3,500-tonne cable capacity, and a fibre optic tank with a 450-tonne capacity.
The shipbuilding contract between Ulstein Verft and Nexans, a pure player in sustainable electrification and global leader in subsea cable systems, was signed in 2023.
The hull has been under construction at the Crist yard, Poland. The hull will now be towed into the dock hall at Ulstein Verft where outfitting, electrical work, insulation, and piping will commence.
Ulstein Verft will also install the main components including the main generator set, power package, deck machinery, winches, and topside equipment.
The Nexans Electra measures 155.2m in length and 31m in beam. She will be equipped for safe and efficient transport and installation of large volumes of HVDC and HVAC cable systems, as well as complex subsea construction tasks in deep waters.
The vessel’s built-in structural and system capacities, along with flexible design features, will allow easy adaptation to future customer needs.
The Nexans Electra, designed by Skipsteknisk, is based on Nexans Aurora, which was delivered by Ulstein Verft in 2021. She is specifically designed to transport and lay Nexans submarine products, including cable bundles, as well as perform recovery and repair of such products.
The vessel can perform effectively in challenging weather conditions and boasts exceptional manoeuvrability and station-keeping characteristics. The incorporation of high-capacity shore power systems, an energy storage system, and biofuel compatibility ensures a reduced environmental footprint.
