(WO) – Nexans has launched the hull of its new cable-laying vessel, the CLV Electra, at the Ulstein Verft shipyard in Norway, marking a major construction milestone for one of the industry’s most advanced subsea installation assets. The hull had been built and preserved inside Ulstein’s covered dock hall, ensuring optimal conditions for structural work and precision coating ahead of final outfitting.
As the vessel moves from the dock hall to the outfitting quay, Nexans advances toward commissioning a ship designed to support the fast-growing market for high-voltage subsea cables used in offshore wind farms, cross-border power interconnectors and deep-sea electrification projects. Electra is engineered to lay up to four cables simultaneously and can accommodate 13,500 tonnes of cable across three turntables.
Outfitting is already well underway, including installation of generator sets, power systems, deck machinery and topside equipment. The vessel now enters its final integration phase, with system testing and tuning set to continue ahead of sea trials scheduled for spring 2026.
Nexans said Electra will play a critical role in delivering subsea transmission infrastructure needed to expand renewable energy capacity worldwide. Ulstein Verft’s advanced facilities and proven shipbuilding capability continue to contribute to Norway’s leadership in specialized offshore vessels.
