The acquisition of Viking Reach includes a high-specification Work-Class ROV spread, strengthening the Group’s integrated subsea operations offering
Asso Group has signed a Memorandum of Agreement to acquire the IMR vessel Viking Reach, strengthening its offshore fleet as it prepares to support a growing backlog of subsea trenching projects. The agreement covers the purchase of the vessel from its current owners and includes a high-specification Work-Class ROV (WROV) spread.
Completion of the transaction is expected in early Q4 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon delivery, the vessel will be renamed “Arete”—honouring Queen Arete (Αρήτη) of Greek mythology— she will hoist the Greek flag and join the Group’s expanding fleet for primary use as a Trenching Support Vessel (TSV) to sustain the Group’s heavy project backlog in the coming years.
Thanks to her high-capacity subsea equipment, 70t AHC crane, integrated WROV and Survey spreads, shallow water capability and extensive deck area, the Arete will become an extremely flexible asset, ideally equipped for multi-purpose roles in subsea cable protection, route preparation, post-lay burial, and the growing offshore wind market.
Following the recent newbuild orders of the Trenching Support Vessels Avra and Andromeda, this additional high-spec vessel will significantly improve the Group’s immediate capacity and capabilities in the constantly growing subsea cable installation market.
“The acquisition of TSV Arete reinforces our long-term commitment to providing top-tier trenching solutions to the offshore energy market,” stated Eva Pavlou Commercial Director at Asso.subsea. “By increasing our vessel capacity and deploying our state-of-the-art subsea equipment, we continue to enhance our capability to execute complex subsea projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest industry standards.”
With the addition of Arete, Asso.subsea continues to strengthen its position as a primary turn-key contractor for global Transmission System Operators (TSOs), offshore wind developers, and submarine cable manufacturers.
