On 13 November 2025, the hull of the Nexans Electra cable-laying vessel (CLV) was successfully launched from the dock hall at Ulstein Verft, marking a significant milestone on its path to completion. Throughout its stay at the yard, the hull was housed in a roofed, climate-controlled environment, providing ideal conditions for both a safe working atmosphere and high-precision painting.
The launch of the hull is more than a logistical milestone; it marks a symbolic moment in the construction of a vessel that will play a key role in advancing Nexans’ vision to electrify the future, as a global leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services for offshore wind projects and subsea interconnectors. As the ship transitions from the dock hall to the outfitting quay, it moves closer to becoming a key asset in the global energy transition, poised to lay subsea cables that connect renewable energy sources to the world’s power grids.
The vessel is nearing the completion of the outfitting phase, which has included the installation of critical systems, such as the main generator sets, power package, deck machinery, and topside equipment. The launch marks the beginning of the finalising phase. The final assembly, installation and paint work will continue, and all systems will be tested and tuned, leading up to sea trials in the spring of 2026.
The CLV Nexans Electra is designed to meet the growing demand for high-voltage subsea cable installations, essential for offshore wind farms, interconnectors, and deep-sea electrification projects. With capabilities to lay up to four cables simultaneously and a total cable capacity of 13,500 tonnes across three turntables, Electra is engineered for efficiency, precision, and resilience in even the harshest marine environments.
Ulstein Verft’s advanced facilities and shipbuilding expertise ensure precision, quality, and timely delivery, reinforcing Norway’s long-standing contribution to sustainable maritime innovation.
This dock hall allows for high-quality workmanship, resulting in a finish that meets the highest industry standards, critical to the vessel’s long-term durability and performance in demanding offshore environments. Based at the Ulstein Group HQ, most disciplines are within short reach.
