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Asso.subsea recently announced the official contract signing for the construction of its groundbreaking new DP-2 Cable Laying Vessel, Althea. Purpose-built to excel in challenging environments, including shallow waters and intertidal zones, Althea will mark a pivotal advancement in sustainable and versatile subsea operations.
Vessel will be constructed at the prestigious China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard in Shenzhen, known for its expertise in building specialized offshore and subsea vessels. The delivery date for Althea is set for the second quarter of 2027.
Designed to redefine cable-laying operations, Althea features unmatched cable handling capabilities, with the ability to manage up to 12,000 tons of cable in 1, 2, or 3 carousel divisions. This advanced capacity supports multi-section operations, ensuring efficient bundled cable laying with exceptional precision.
Additionally, the vessel is engineered for superior performance in shallow waters, operating at draughts as light as 4.5 meters in full DP-2 mode while carrying over 50% of her maximum cable payload. Her design also enables beaching in intertidal zones, offering unparalleled access to areas beyond the reach of conventional vessels.
Althea’s advanced positioning capabilities include nine thrusters, a diesel-electric power plant under a 3-section split bus bar philosophy, and four spud-cans for reliable station-keeping in shallow waters. This robust setup ensures exceptional redundancy and performance in both deep and shallow-water environments.
Sustainability is a core focus of Althea’s design, incorporating hybrid diesel-battery power generation, methanol-ready engines compatible with bio-fuels, compliance with IMO Tier III NOx emission standards, cold ironing capabilities, and numerous energy-saving features.
With accommodations for 120 people, Althea also prioritizes comfort, offering modern welfare facilities to support extended offshore projects in remote locations. Combining cutting-edge technology, advanced operational capabilities, and an environmentally conscious design, Althea is set to empower clients to overcome challenges and achieve success in the most demanding subsea environments.
News Source- https://www.assogroup.com/introducing-althea-a-new-era-in-cable-laying-excellence/
