Dredger converted to cable layer

The major part of the work will comprise removal and dismantling of all stone dumping equipment and related machinery and equipment, and assembly of the cable laying equipment. At the same time routine drydocking and minor maintenance and repair work will be undertaken. The ship travelled to Poland from Australia, where it was working for owner Dredging and Maritime Management of Jan de Nul Group.

After conversion, the ship will be put to work by Jan de Nul on the company’s contract to install a 245kV export cable connecting the Northwind Offshore Wind power plant, on the Lodewijkbank off the coast of Oostende, to the Belgian power grid. The 5,400Te capacity turntable, of 28m diameter, is being supplied by Caley Ocean Systems. Caley was responsible for the detail design of the vessel conversion.

In addition to the turntable, Caley is supplying a modular loading tower assembly comprising loading arm, inboard chute, tensioner and control cabin. To ensure smooth loading and deployment of the cable offshore, the Caley turntable includes an integral 5Te tensioner and 10Te deck tensioner

EPG Shipyard says that this is the third offshore vessel which it has converted in 2013. Previously e cable laying vessel Team Oman and research ship Kommandor Calum. This is in accordance with the parent group’s policy of diversifying into the offshore market, a sector which EPG Shipyard believes it has the experience and expertise to support.