NEXANS AURORA is a Norwegian-flagged DP3 cable-laying vessel owned and operated by Nexans Subsea Operations. Delivered in 2021 by Ulstein Verft in Norway, she was purpose-built for the installation, repair and protection of high-voltage submarine cables, including cables for offshore wind farms and international interconnectors. Nexans describes the vessel as its flagship cable layer, equipped for both shallow-water and deep-sea operations.
The vessel measures 149.9 metres in length and 31 metres in beam and has a deadweight of about 17,000 tonnes. Her main working feature is a split cable turntable with capacity for 10,000 tonnes of cable, supported by two cable-laying lines rated at 75 and 50 tonnes and a 450-tonne fibre-optic basket. NEXANS AURORA can accommodate up to 90 persons and has a maximum speed of about 14 knots.
Her connection with Piraeus is especially important. In November 2021, NEXANS AURORA arrived at the Port of Piraeus on what Ariadne Interconnection described as her maiden voyage to Attica, ahead of the start of cable-laying works for the major Crete–Attica electrical interconnection. The vessel was visited in Piraeus by representatives of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy, IPTO and Ariadne Interconnection before beginning work on the submarine cable section.
Vessel Details
Name: NEXANS AURORA
IMO: 9862059
MMSI: 257682000
Call Sign: LALC8
Type: Cable-Laying Vessel
Flag: Norway
Built: 2021
Builder: Ulstein Verft AS, Norway
Yard Number: 314
Designer: Skipsteknisk AS, Ålesund
Owner: Nexans Aurora AS / Nexans Subsea Operations
Operator: Nexans Subsea Operations
Classification: DNV
Dynamic Positioning: DP3
Length Overall: 149.9 m
Beam: 31.0 m
Deadweight: approx. 17,000 t
Gross Tonnage: approx. 22,263 GT
Maximum Speed: approx. 14 knots
Accommodation: 90 persons
Cable Capacity: 10,000 t
Fibre Optic Basket: 450 t
Cable-Laying Lines: 75 t and 50 t
Design and Capabilities
NEXANS AURORA was designed specifically for demanding subsea energy projects. Her tasks include power-cable laying, bundle laying, cable jointing and repair, cable-system protection and trenching. The vessel’s DP3 system gives her high station-keeping capability, allowing precise operations even in difficult weather conditions.
The vessel was also designed with environmental performance in mind. Nexans highlights the use of electric drives, shore-power capability, biodegradable lubricants and systems aimed at reducing underwater noise and emissions during cable-installation work.
Crete–Attica Interconnection and Piraeus
NEXANS AURORA’s 2021 call at Piraeus was directly connected with one of Greece’s most important energy-infrastructure projects. The vessel had been assigned to install part of the submarine cable linking Crete with Attica, where sections of the cable route reach depths of approximately 1,200 metres.
At the time, the Crete–Attica interconnection was described as the first major project undertaken by NEXANS AURORA after her delivery. After completing her work in Greece, she was scheduled to move on to the Seagreen offshore wind project in Scotland.
PiraeuShips Record
NEXANS AURORA was recorded at Piraeus by PiraeuShips during her November 2021 visit, when the newly delivered cable-laying vessel arrived in connection with the Crete–Attica electrical interconnection project. Her presence was particularly significant because Piraeus formed part of the vessel’s first major operational deployment after delivery, linking the PiraeuShips archive with one of the most important submarine energy projects carried out in Greek waters.
Original video footage © PiraeuShips. All rights reserved.
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