Asso.subsea, a Greek subsea utility contractor specialising in the installation, protection, repair, and support of submarine cables, has begun construction of its new DP-2 cable laying vessel, Althea, following the steel-cutting ceremony held on 5 November at the China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard on Mazhou Island, Shenzhen.
The milestone event, attended by representatives from Asso.subsea and China Merchants Heavy Industry, marks the physical start of a build that will deliver a vessel of exceptional capability and innovation. Althea is designed to be a versatile asset, capable of executing complex cable installation projects in both deep-water and critical shallow-water environments.
Set for delivery in 2027, Althea will enhance Asso.subsea’s capabilities in complex subsea cable installation projects around the world. The vessel’s construction at CMHI, a shipyard renowned for its expertise in specialized offshore vessels, underscores Asso.subsea’s strategic commitment to investing in state-of-the-art technology and building the capacity needed for the future of offshore wind.
“The first steel cut for Althea marks the true beginning of an exciting journey,” said the Project Manager, Nikolaos Anastasiou. “This vessel, with its advanced DP-2 system and unique shallow-water aptitude, is purpose-built to meet the evolving challenges of the global offshore market. It represents our dedication to providing clients with innovative, reliable, and versatile solutions for the most complex subsea projects.”
The ceremony concluded with teams from Asso.subsea and China Merchants Heavy Industry looking ahead to the next stages of construction, as they work to bring the vision of Althea to life.
