Trio of connected shallow-draft cable barges designed for environmentally sensitive cable installation in the Wadden Sea
Jan De Nul, in collaboration with transmission system operator TenneT and ECE Offshore BV, has inaugurated three connected shallow-draft cable installation barges, collectively named Waadrinner, in Rotterdam.
Developed specifically for operations in shallow and environmentally sensitive waters, Waadrinner will support subsea cable installation works in areas where conventional vessels are unable to operate efficiently. The units are expected to play a key role on the BalWin4 project in the Wadden Sea, a region known for its ecological sensitivity and challenging water depths.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone for the partners and follows the award of a major contract on 6 November 2024. Under the agreement, Jan De Nul, TenneT and ECE Offshore BV are collaborating closely on the delivery of critical offshore grid infrastructure. ECE Offshore is responsible for engineering, procurement and execution of the Wadden Sea cable installation portion of TenneT’s 2 GW projects scheduled from 2026 to 2030.
The delivery of the shallow-draft cable installation barge was supported by several key subcontractors, including Rometal, Greenport, Dromec and De Heus, FMJ and Aggreko, who provide essential support throughout design, fabrication, mobilisation and commissioning.
Reinier Nagtegaal, Managing Director at ECE Offshore BV, said “This inauguration is the result of close collaboration and mutual trust between all partners involved. By communicating openly and actively engaging throughout the process, we have created assets that support safe, efficient and reliable project execution.”
Harold Heeffer, Project Director at Jan De Nul, added: “Strong partnerships enable practical solutions in challenging environments. Transparency and a fair, solution-oriented mindset are essential when working in shallow waters such as the Wadden Sea.”
This milestone underlines the shared commitment of Jan De Nul, TenneT and ECE Offshore BV to safe execution, sustainable growth, and long-term collaboration within the offshore energy sector.
