On 29 January 2021, the large, 150-tonne, A-frame for the DP3 cable laying vessel ‘Nexans Aurora’, under construction at Ulstein Verft, was lifted into position.

150-tonne, A-frame for the DP3 cable laying vessel Nexans Aurora, under construction at Ulstein Verft, lifted into position
Caption: The A-frame when being lifted onto the CLV vessel ‘Nexans Aurora’.

The 149.9 m long and 31 m wide ‘Nexans Aurora’ will be working in the offshore renewables market, installing subsea cables including cables connecting offshore wind farms to the grid and interconnector systems.

The two active heave compensated 75-tonne under-deck winches and the 150-tonne A-frame, all being Palfinger deliveries, will be involved in tasks such as handling cable end terminations and instrumental in performing cable jointing and repairs up to 2,500 m water depths.

The vessel is a ST-297 CLV design from Skipsteknisk and is planned for delivery from Ulstein Verft to Nexans in 2021. The vessel has been designed for operations under severe weather conditions, and with high manoeuvrability and station keeping capabilities.

Caption: The Demag CC2800-1 crawler crane has a capacity of lifting 400t while on the barge. The lift of the 150t A-frame was carried out without difficulties.

Ulstein Verft’s heavylift division used their multiwheelers to transport and later upend the A-frame to a vertical position, before using their crawler crane for lifting and positioning.

The vessel will be outfitted and prepared for the following duties:

  • Power Cable and umbilical laying included bundle laying
  • Cable Jointing and Repair
  • Cable system protection and trenching

Source: Ulstein