Nexans, Crowley introduce ‘first-of-its-kind’ cable lay barge

Nexans says that it has partnered with Crowley Wind Services to develop and operate a Jones Act-compliant cable lay barge.  

Dedicated to supporting the installation of subsea transmission lines necessary for offshore wind energy, telecommunications and other major industrial applications, the companies say that this collaboration underscores their commitment to providing solutions for the expansion of US energy sources and other industrial uses that require underwater cabling. 

The 300-foot, US-flagged barge, built in Louisiana and tested in the US Gulf of Mexico to Nexans specifications, will be crewed by American mariners under Crowley’s operation. The vessel is expected to play a critical role in laying and burying the subsea cables needed to deliver energy from offshore to the grid onshore.

The barge is the first, the companies say, to have vertical injectors along with a dynamic positioning system and a multiple-anchor positioning system. These systems will allow for accurate and efficient cable placement, even in challenging conditions.  

The barge features a 3,500-ton capacity carousel to lay and bury subsea cable using burial tools such as a vertical injector, a jet sled, or a jetting ROV; and has the potential to be upgraded to 7,000 tons with two carousels for bundle cable lay and burial.

The barge is positioned to support Equinor’s Empire Wind offshore wind farm for New York and can be configured to lay or repair cable for a multitude of other subsea applications. 

The vessel will be operated by a crew of US mariners, supporting maritime investment and employment goals.