Cable laying vessel Nexans Aurora

The most advanced cable laying vessel (CLV)

CLV Nexans Aurora

Nexans Aurora, the flagship vessel represents the pinnacle of cable laying technology. Designed and built to set new standards in submarine cable installation, the Nexans Aurora is a testament to Nexans’ commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Technical details

  • Dimensions: 149.9 meters in length and 31 meters in width, making it well-suited for a range of subsea construction tasks.
  • Capacity: With a large 10,000-ton capacity split turntable, the vessel is equipped to handle the installation of high-voltage cable systems with ease.
  • Specialized equipment: 2 cable lay lines, 75-ton and 50-ton including bundling; 450-ton fiber optic tank. Purpose-designed equipment for cable and umbilical transport, laying, protection, and jointing ensures efficient and reliable operations.
  • Advanced technology: The vessel boasts state-of-the-art instruments for cable transport, installation, and protection, ensuring safe and precise execution of tasks.
  • Accommodation: up to 90 persons.
  • Environmental focus: The Nexans Aurora is designed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating features such as barrier technology, certified biodegradable lubricants, and electric drives to minimize its environmental footprint.

Construction milestones

The CLV Nexans Aurora represents a new era in cable laying technology, poised to support the electrification of the world’s energy systems. With its advanced capabilities, sustainable design, and unwavering commitment to quality, the Nexans Aurora stands ready to play a vital role in shaping the future of offshore renewables and subsea construction.

Naming ceremony (June 8, 2021)

Nexans marked a significant moment in the vessel’s journey with a formal naming ceremony for the “CLV Nexans Aurora.” Held to celebrate the vessel’s completion and readiness for deployment, the ceremony honored the culmination of years of meticulous planning, engineering, and construction. Executives, stakeholders, and project partners came together to christen the vessel, emphasizing its status as the flagship of the Nexans fleet. The naming ceremony underscored Nexans’ commitment to excellence and innovation, setting the stage for the Nexans Aurora’s future endeavors in advancing offshore renewable energy and global connectivity.

Nexans Aurora delivery, 2021

Delivery (2021)

The final milestone in the Aurora’s construction journey, the vessel’s delivery marked the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nexans Aurora was delivered on time, ready to embark on its mission to electrify the future.

Successful sea trial (2021)

Following the completion of construction and outfitting, the Nexans Aurora embarked on a crucial phase: the sea trial. Against the backdrop of snow-covered mountain tops and serene blue skies, the vessel underwent rigorous testing of its systems and capabilities. Led by Nexans’ Vessel Operations Manager, Knut Flage, the sea trial proved to be a resounding success, with all onboard systems operating smoothly and efficiently. The flawless performance during the trial underscored the meticulous work of the shipyard, Ulstein Verft, and the vessel’s suppliers, ensuring that the Nexans Aurora was well-prepared for its future missions in challenging offshore environments.

The A-frame in position on the ‘Nexans Aurora’

A-frame installation (January 29, 2021)

A significant moment in the vessel’s outfitting, the installation of the 150-tonne A-frame showcased the vessel’s capabilities for offshore renewables projects. The Nexans Aurora was designed to handle subsea cable installations, including connections to offshore wind farms and interconnector systems.

CLV on the water (November 8, 2020)

The Nexans Aurora achieved a significant milestone as it was officially launched into the water at Ulstein Verft. This momentous occasion marked the vessel’s transition from the shipyard to the open sea, symbolizing a new chapter in its journey towards becoming a key player in offshore renewable energy projects. With its sleek design and advanced capabilities, the Nexans Aurora stood ready to undertake its vital role in connecting offshore wind farms to the grid and supporting the electrification of the world’s energy systems.

Nexans Aurora cable laying equipment installation

Installation of cable laying equipment (October 14, 2020)

A pivotal moment in the vessel’s outfitting process occurred on October 14, 2020, with the installation of the state-of-the-art cable laying equipment onboard the Nexans Aurora. Led by MAATS Tech Ltd, the installation team meticulously fitted the vessel with essential components, including lay wheels, tensioners, and capstans. These critical elements, combined with Nexans’ extensive cable laying experience and Ulstein Verft’s shipbuilding expertise, ensured that the Nexans Aurora was equipped to handle the most demanding subsea construction tasks with precision and efficiency. The successful installation of the cable laying equipment further solidified the vessel’s readiness to undertake its role as a leader in offshore cable installation and infrastructure development.

Nexans Aurora, first blocks assembled

All blocks assembled (April 28, 2020)

With all grand blocks assembled at the hull yard, the Nexans Aurora’s construction moved closer to completion. The vessel, equipped with a large capacity cable handling spread and dedicated cable splicing area, was gearing up to undertake its vital tasks.

Nexans Aurora grand block ceremony

Grand block ceremony (October 15, 2019)

A crucial step in the vessel’s construction, the grand block ceremony celebrated the assembly of major components at the CRIST shipyard in Poland. Representatives from Nexans, shipbuilders, designers, and project partners came together to mark this milestone.

Nexans Aurora, Frode Beyer and Jarle Åsemyr

First steel cutting (February 19, 2019)

The journey of the Nexans Aurora began with a significant milestone – the cutting of the first steel. This marked the initiation of the construction process, symbolizing Nexans’ dedication to bringing cutting-edge submarine cables to the world.

Construction timelapse

CLV Nexans Aurora arrival Ulstein

Outfitting of Nexans Aurora starts at Ulstein Verft

Installation of cable laying equipment on Nexans Aurora

Installation of cable laying equipment

Installation of cable laying equipment on Nexans Aurora

Installation of cable laying equipment

Nexans Aurora equipment installations

Equipment installations

Nexans Aurora equipment installations

Equipment installations

Nexans Aurora naming ceremony

Naming ceremony

When is the Nexans Aurora useful?

offshore-wind-farms

Offshore Wind Farms

subsea cable

Subsea interconnection