Revolutionizing Subsea Cable Installation in the U.S.
France’s cable systems designer and manufacturer, Nexans, has teamed up with Crowley Wind Services to introduce a Jones Act-compliant cable lay barge, set to revolutionize subsea transmission work for offshore wind and various industries across the United States.
The 300-foot barge, flagged and crewed in the U.S., is currently under construction in Louisiana and undergoing testing in the Gulf of Mexico. Custom-designed to Nexans’ specifications, the barge will be operated by American mariners under Crowley’s management.
Equipped with a 3,500-ton cable carousel, with the potential to upgrade to 7,000 tons through a dual-carousel setup, the barge features vertical injectors, a dynamic positioning system, and a multiple-anchor positioning system to facilitate precise cable installation in coastal and nearshore environments.
“This barge will complement our existing fleet of cable laying vessels and enhance our capability to lay nearshore subsea cables in the U.S.,” stated Pascal Radue, Executive Vice President of Nexans’ PWR-Transmission Business Group.
Initially intended to support cable burial for Equinor’s Empire Wind project off the coast of New York, the barge is designed for versatility. It will be able to lay or repair cables using burial tools like a vertical injector, a jet sled, or a jetting remotely operated vehicle (ROV), catering to telecommunication and other heavy industry subsea requirements beyond offshore wind.
“The cable lay barge will provide an efficient supply chain solution for offshore energy, telecommunications, and other sectors,” remarked Graham Tyson, Vice President of Operations at Crowley Wind Services.
“Paired with our U.S. maritime fleet and mariners offering feedering services, logistics, and project management capabilities, we are well-positioned to meet the demands of industries seeking subsea cable solutions.”
The project has garnered support from maritime labor unions, anticipating the barge to contribute to employment opportunities for U.S. mariners.
“AMO takes pride in being the primary source for United States Coast Guard licensed officers in the wind farm sector. Our longstanding collaboration with Crowley, coupled with our new partnership with Nexans, will facilitate the delivery of clean, affordable, and sustainable energy to millions of Americans and pave the way for future offshore endeavors,” stated Willie Barrere, National President of American Maritime Officers.
“The SIU is excited about this opportunity and is prepared to supply dedicated, well-trained mariners to ensure the success of the new vessel,” commented Seafarers International Union President David Heindel. “SIU members have extensive experience aboard cable-laying vessels, making us well-suited for the task. This project will bolster American shipboard manpower while underscoring the vital role of the Jones Act in safeguarding U.S. national, economic, and homeland security for over a century.”
On a separate note, the hull of Nexans’ new cable-laying vessel (CLV) has arrived at Ulstein Verft in Norway, marking the commencement of its outfitting and completion phase.