General – Newbuilding
Asso.subsea announced the contract signing for the construction of a groundbreaking new DP-2 Cable Laying Vessel, Althea.
Purpose-built to excel in all types of challenging environments, including shallow waters and intertidal zones, the Althea will mark a pivotal advancement in sustainable and versatile subsea operations.
The vessel will be built at the prestigious China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard, at the Mazhou Island site in Shenzen.
The delivery date for Althea is set for the 2nd quarter of 2027.
With the ability to manage up to 12,000 tons of cable in 1, 2 or 3 carousel divisions, the Althea will be able to support multi-section operations, enabling seamless bundled cable laying with precision and efficiency.
Featuring nine thrusters, powered by a diesel-electric plant under a 3-section split bus bar philosophy, and four spud-cans for positioning in shallow water, the Althea ensures superior station-keeping capabilities and redundancy for reliable performance both in deep and shallow-water environments.
Equipped with a hybrid diesel and battery power generation plant, methanol-ready engines capable of running on bio-fuels and complying with IMO Tier III NOx emission standards, cold ironing capabilities and with a number of energy saving features, the Althea will set new benchmarks for eco-friendly marine operations.
