Belgian company Jan De Nul has ordered two new vessels for the installation and protection of underwater cables. This order aims to increase the company's operational capabilities in underwater projects, particularly in the field of renewable energy.
Details of the new vessels
The new vessels will be similar versions of the Isambard K. Brunel vessel, which was previously ordered in March of this year. Both vessels are designed with very low-emission technologies and will feature Ulstein's X-Bow hull. This technology can filter up to 99 percent of nano particles from exhaust gases and reduce pollutants. Additionally, the engines of these vessels are capable of operating on biofuels, which helps reduce CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the vessels are prepared for future operations with methanol.
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Increasing fleet capacity
The Isambard K. Brunel vessels and their new sister ship will be equipped with a trenching machine that allows the crew to bury cables up to five meters deep in the seabed. With this new order, Jan De Nul's fleet will reach 14 vessels for the installation and protection of underwater cables. This fleet includes two XL vessels for cable installation, one XL vessel for rock installation to protect the cables, and two new vessels for burying cables in the seabed.
Wouter Vermeersch, manager of underwater cables for marine energy at Jan De Nul, stated: "Our two new XL vessels will soon enter the market. The Fleeming Jenkin vessel has successfully completed its initial sea trials and is now in the final construction stage. The William Thomson vessel will also soon join this fleet. Last year, we also announced the order of the rock installation vessel George W. Goethals, which protects cables and other energy infrastructure by placing a layer of rock. Investing in vessels that can protect cables at the same speed is the next logical step."
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