New Methanol-Powered Cable Laying Vessel Debut

NKT Names Second Cable Laying Vessel NKT Eleonora

Danish subsea cable and services firm NKT has unveiled the name of its second cable laying vessel (CLV) as NKT Eleonora. This new vessel has been specifically designed to operate on methanol, marking a significant step towards sustainability in the offshore industry.

NKT Eleonora, which means shining light, is set to enhance the company’s offshore cable laying capacity and will be one of the world’s first cable laying vessels designed to run on methanol. With three turntables and a power cable-laying capacity of 23,000 tonnes, NKT Eleonora will also be equipped with various subsea tooling for precise installation and servicing of offshore cables.

The vessel’s design was created by Salt Ship Design and construction is currently underway in collaboration with the Norwegian shipyard VARD. NKT Eleonora will have a length of 176 meters and a breadth of 32 meters, featuring Wärtsilä 32 methanol engines.

Expected to be operational by 2027, this dual-fuel vessel will have the capability to run on methanol as well as HVO/marine diesel oil. According to Darren Fennell, Executive Vice President and Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona in NKT, the decision to construct a vessel designed to run on methanol reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and creating a greener world through their power cable solutions.

In addition to the vessel construction, NKT is also expanding its site in Karlskrona with a new high-voltage offshore cable factory. This move aligns with NKT’s mission to enhance its installation capacity and capabilities in order to efficiently execute projects and meet the evolving demands of their clients.