Euronext Brussels-listed offshore energy contractor DEME is expanding its fleet with a new offshore construction vessel (OCV) from China.

The OCV vessel will be capable of executing trenching, burial, and cable-laying operations, complementing DEME’s existing cable installation vessels, Living Stone and Viking Neptun.

Based on the Norwegian SALT 310 design, the 123-meter OCV will be equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system, a 150-ton active heave-compensated offshore crane, a hangar for two Work Class ROVs, a hybrid 1,000-kWh battery system, and a methanol-ready propulsion design for future fuel flexibility.

Below deck, the vessel is configured to accommodate two 2,500-ton cable carousels, with accommodation for up to 123 people.

Representing a sizable investment, between €50m and €150m, the vessel will be constructed by PaxOcean at the Zhoushan shipyard in China and is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

Hugo Bouvy, managing director DEME offshore energy, said: “With more than 5,000 km of subsea cables installed across wind farms in Europe and the United States, DEME continues to support clients in delivering offshore projects efficiently and reliably.

“Building on this track record, the new OCV further enhances DEME’s cable installation capabilities and expands its versatile fleet of vessels and solutions.”