Dutch offshore contractor Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. is making a significant investment in subsea power infrastructure. They recently announced plans to construct a large 24,000-ton Cable Lay Vessel (CLV) aimed at...
Dutch offshore contractor Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. is making a significant investment in subsea power infrastructure. They recently announced plans to construct a large 24,000-ton Cable Lay Vessel (CLV) aimed at supporting the rapid growth of offshore wind farms and cross-border energy connections.
This new vessel, revealed on Monday, will be equipped with two 12,000-ton cable carousels, including a unique concentric carousel setup. This design allows the vessel to install longer sections of cable continuously, which minimizes the number of joints needed during installation. The focus is on the expanding market for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, which are vital for linking offshore renewable energy projects to national power grids.
Boskalis anticipates that this vessel will be operational by 2029, as the demand for long-distance subsea cable installation grows, driven by electrification, decarbonization goals, and concerns over energy security.
The company stated, “The electrification of energy demand, fueled by decarbonization and energy independence goals, is speeding up the need for strong grid infrastructure.”
This investment comes in response to a global increase in offshore wind projects and the rising need for interconnector initiatives that connect different national electricity networks. HVDC systems are essential for efficiently transmitting large amounts of renewable energy over long distances with fewer energy losses compared to traditional AC systems.
Boskalis has dedicated over 15 years to developing its subsea cable installation business and has participated in more than 140 cable-related offshore projects worldwide. Currently, the company operates three cable lay vessels, along with trenching support ships and specialized trenching equipment.
The new vessel also reflects the growing competition among offshore contractors who are expanding their fleets to handle next-generation offshore energy projects. As wind farms move further offshore and power demands increase, cable capacity and installation efficiency are becoming more crucial.
Boskalis emphasizes that its comprehensive offshore capabilities — including seabed surveys, dredging, cable laying, trenching, and rock installation — help minimize project risks and enable the company to provide complete offshore energy infrastructure solutions.
The company views the new CLV as a vital asset in promoting the global energy transition and the development of sustainable power infrastructure around the world.