Jan De Nul has placed an order with CMHI Haimen shipyard for an extra large cable laying vessel, Fleeming Jenkin. The vessel, to be delivered in 2026, will provide the renewable energy and subsea cable industry with a cable carrying capacity of 28,000 tonnes and install cables across longer distances and deeper waters.
As offshore wind farms continue further offshore, the connections between countries become crucial for the future of energy and the economy. The modern markets require longer, stronger and heavier cables suitable for deeper waters. As a result, Jan De Nul continues to invest in installation assets and human resources to serve the offshore energy industry.
“We stand firm in our belief in the energy transition. Following our previous investments in the jack-up vessel Voltaire and crane vessel Les Alizés for the installation of the next-gen wind turbines and their foundations, we now proceed with this magnificent cable-laying vessel. Thanks to her unprecedented capabilities, Fleeming Jenkin will be a perfect fit for the interconnector and export cable markets.”
Philippe Hutse, Director Offshore Energy Division at Jan De Nul Group.
Jan De Nul’s offshore installation fleet will feature four powerful and diverse cable-laying vessels, next to two offshore jack-up installation vessels, three floating crane installation vessels, five rock installation vessels and two multipurpose vessels.
Due to the fleet’s size and various operations, Jan De Nul have already begun the recruitment of extra crew members to assist in operating Fleeming Jenkin. The team of dynamic positioning officers, engineering technicians, tensioner carrousel operators, cable-laying superintendents, various specialised offshore technicians and engineers in civil and mechanical engineering will be supported by an extensive in-house training programme.
Fleeming Jenkin, a first for offshore cable carrying capacity
Equipped with three cable carousels and a large hold for fibre optic cables, Fleeming Jenkin will have the ability to lay up to four cables simultaneously. Two of the carousels are mounted on the deck, with the third below deck. The total cable carrying capacity amounts to an record breaking 28,000 tonnes.
The vessel is designed to install longer and heavier cables, into ultra-deep waters up to 3,000 metres. The aft deck is equipped with a chute and a cable-laying wheel; the chute allows installation of cables in shallow waters, while the cable-laying wheel makes for more efficient installation at great depths. The tensioners enable the vessel to handle and control cable tensions up to 150 tonnes.
To ensure the vessel operates steadily in deep and shallow waters, an additional third bow thruster and a powerful DP2 system have been installed.
“Fleeming Jenkin bundles all the cable installation expertise we’ve gained over the past decade. This vessel and technologies on board are designed by our in-house specialists. In 2013 we changed the power cable installation market by introducing our cable-laying vessel Isaac Newton with higher carrying capacities than available on the market. Today, we continue our pioneering entrepreneurship by ordering the world’s most advanced cable-laying vessel. We look forward to welcoming this new ability to further satisfy our customers worldwide.”
Wouter Vermeersch, Manager Offshore Cables at Jan De Nul Group.
Future proofing Fleeming Jenkin
Green technologies on board will create a more sustainable future for Fleeming Jenkin. A highly advanced dual exhaust filter system, which removes up to 99% of nanoparticles from emissions using a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) for NOx removal will assist the vessel. The ULEv system also significantly reduces exhaust gas pollutants. As a result of the ULEv system, the vessel complies with the strict European Stage V emission standards for inland waterway vessels. Futhermore, the NOx emissions are reduced to such an extent that this vessel meets the even stricter EURO VI emission limits.
Fleeming Jenkin has been confirmed by the Methanol fuel-dual fuel notation, that the engines will be powered using biofuel and green methanol, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
A hybrid power plant on board will also contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and help promote optimal fuel usage. It assists the generators that feature a 2.5 MWh battery and drive technology, designed for peak shaving, load smoothening, spinning reserve and optimized engine loading.
“Fleeming Jenkin combines our in-house knowledge of designing and operating cable-laying vessels in close collaboration with our clients. The result is a vessel that is highly efficient in operations with a much-reduced environmental footprint. We look forward to starting the project with CMHI , working together towards a smooth construction and timely delivery. Meanwhile contract negotiations are ongoing for key equipment to be delivered from Europe.”
Jan Van de Velde, Director New Building at Jan De Nul Group.
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News and image sourced from Jan De Nul.
