Ship & Boat BuildingPipe/Cable layingXLCC successfully concludes model testing on world’s most sophisticated Cable Laying Vessel

XLCC successfully concludes model testing on world’s most sophisticated Cable Laying Vessel

XLCC, the innovative high-voltage direct current (HVDC) UK based cable company has today announced it has completed model testing on its new Cable Laying Vessel (CLV) for renewable energy focused business. The week of testing in the Netherlands highlights the vessel’s efficiency levels and brings it one step closer to its widely anticipated delivery.

The CLV will support the much-needed market capacity expansion that XLCC brings to the subsea HVDC power cable manufacturing and installation industry. Demand for high-voltage cables is set to increase six-fold over the next seven years, as the UK aims to be powered exclusively through clean energy by 2035. Countries worldwide are also taking targeted steps towards net zero. With this comes the demand for high-functioning, efficient CLVs to install and simplify the process of cable laying, driving the change to sustainable energy.

The XLCC vessel will make extensive use of battery energy storage systems and shore power to reduce fuel consumption and has been designed with methanol as a fuel once operational. Featuring cutting-edge capabilities and designed for operational efficiency, the XLCC CLV will revolutionise the UK’s transition to green energy and projects further afield.

XLCC has partnered closely with the vessel designers, the award-winning Salt Ship Design, who have planned the vessel from conception using 3D engineering software. Salt Ship has played a vital development role on the journey to test completion.

XLCC has additionally partnered with SeaTec, the technical services division of global ship management company V.Group. SeaTec was appointed to develop the initial statement of requirements and has continued to support XLCC through concept design and model testing.

This news closely follows the appointment announcements of XLCC CEO, Ian Douglas, and Cable Factory Director, Georgios Eleftheriadis, with a combined experience of more than 35 years in the subsea cable industry. The successful CLV test showcases the company’s commitment to reducing the bottleneck for renewables projects through expert resources and industry-leading efficiency.

Alan Mathers, Project Director of XLCC, said: “We welcome the news that the CLV has completed model testing. This is an important milestone for us, and it shows our commitment to the project at hand. We want to build something the industry has not yet seen before, to innovate efficiently through the waters of sustainable energy supply and to be on the front foot of our industry. We believe this vessel puts us a step closer to that goal.”

Tor Henning Vestbøstad, Sales Director of Salt Ship Design, said: “We are very happy to report the XLCC CLV underwent successful model testing. This is always a crucial point in designing a ship of this kind. Considering the cost and rigorous testing the vessel must come under, it is exceptional to see XLCC undertake this and highlights the progress the company is making in its goal of providing crucial energy supply to the UK grid.”

Elliot Gow, CEO of Marine Services at V.Group, said: “The SeaTec team harnessed a broad range of technical expertise and experience to aid XLCC in developing an effective and sustainable industry-leading vessel. We remain committed to upholding the high standards required in delivering a vessel of this scale and will work tirelessly to aid XLCC in its pursuit of building a CLV that will revolutionise the HVDC cable laying industry for years to come.”

Latest News

Finnish towage and salvage specialist Alfons Håkans has officially named its new harbour tug Poseidon at a ceremony in Turku, marking the latest addition to the company’s growing fleet. According to Alfons Håkans, Poseidon is the most powerful harbour tug ever built for Finland and the Baltic countries, combining high power with a high ice class designed to support operations in demanding Baltic conditions.

Alfons Håkans Names New Ice-Class Tug Poseidon

Powerful new tug Poseidon continues Alfons Håkans’ long-standing naming tradition, while the fifth newbuild in eight years reinforces the Finnish family-owned company’s ongoing fleet...
MAKEEN Signs mtu Series 2000 Production Agreement

MAKEEN Signs mtu Series 2000 Production Agreement

The agreement combines established mtu high-speed engine technology with MAKEEN’s investment in Saudi manufacturing infrastructure Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Saudi Arabian industrial company MAKEEN have...
CSL OWL SRI, a partnership between The CSL Group and Offshore Wind Logistics, has launched MV Rock Star, the first of two purpose-built subsea rock installation vessels developed to support the growing offshore renewable energy sector.

CSL OWL SRI Launches MV Rock Star for Subsea Rock Installation

MV Rock Star is designed for scour protection, cable burial and subsea rock installation in water depths of up to 100 metres CSL OWL SRI,...
Louisiana-based Metal Shark has secured a U.S. Government contract to build 13 Defiant-class patrol boats for Vietnam, with options for additional vessels. The new contract builds on Metal Shark’s previous delivery of 24 purpose-built 45 Defiant military patrol boats to the Vietnam Coast Guard between 2017 and 2020.

Metal Shark Secures New Patrol Boat Order for Vietnam

Latest contract builds on the delivery of 24 Metal Shark 45 Defiant patrol boats to the Vietnam Coast Guard Louisiana-based Metal Shark has secured a...

Related news