Asso.subsea, a Greek subsea utility contractor specialising in the installation, protection, repair, and support of submarine cables, has officially signed the shipbuilding contract for the construction of the TSV Avra. The next-generation Trenching Support Vessel will set new benchmarks in trenching capability for the floating offshore wind and subsea cable industries, while also establishing higher standards of sustainability in vessel design and operations.
The shipbuilding contract was signed during a ceremony held at our headquarters in Elefsina, Greece. This milestone marks a strategic collaboration with China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) Shenzhen Shipyard for the vessel’s construction, while delivery is estimated approximately in the end of 2027.
The TSV Avra will be the second new building vessel announced in just a few months, following the recent reveal of our newest Cable Laying Vessel Althea, underscoring a period of significant strategic investment and fleet expansion for the company.
More than just another addition to the fleet, the trenching support vessel Avra is a game-changer. A double-redundant DP-2 unit with a record-breaking 24 MW of installed hybrid power, she solidifies her position as the most powerful purpose-built TSV to date, engineered to handle the most complex projects in the harshest environments.
While versatile enough for cable repair and laying, Avra’s primary mission is to set new standards for trenching operations. Her powerful propulsion system is designed to support the operation of a pair of the most advanced trenching vehicles simultaneously, even in adverse weather conditions, thus accelerating project timelines and ensuring operational reliability.
Key Market Differentiators:
- Unrivalled Power & Capacity: With 24MW hybrid power and over 180T bollard pull, Avra is designed to operate with heavy trenching, ploughing and boulder clearance tools simultaneously, maximising efficiency.
- Multi-purpose capability: With a 4,000t under-deck cable carousel capability and twin working decks, Avra can support a wide range of projects including dynamic cable spreads, floating wind installations, inter-array and export cable operations with maximum efficiency.
- Designed for Energy Transition: Methanol and bio-fuel ready, equipped with a large battery hybrid system and cold-ironing capability, reducing her environmental footprint from day one.
- Full Operational Scope: With extensive deck machinery, including a 150t offshore/sub-sea crane and dual heavy-duty A-frames, is positioned as a multi-role powerhouse, supporting the entire lifecycle of sub-sea energy projects.
“The contract signing for the construction of the TSV Avra is a strategic milestone for our company” said Ioannis Togias, Executive Director of Marine Technology. “This partnership with CMHI marks the beginning of building the most powerful vessel of her kind. The Avra is designed to provide our clients with an unassailable advantage in efficiency and project execution. This investment underscores our commitment to driving the offshore industry forward.”
The TSV Avra represents a cornerstone of Asso.subsea’s fleet expansion, directly addressing the increasing demands of global offshore energy infrastructure projects.
