Dutch offshore equipment manufacturer Huisman has secured a contract with Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) for the delivery of its first modular 30-metric-tonne (mt) Cable-Lay System, expanding into a new segment focused on offshore wind cable installation.
The system is designed for deployment across a range of vessels, including DFO’s new Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) and Offshore Construction Vessels currently under construction by shipbuilder VARD.
Huisman said the modular design allows for rapid mobilisation across vessel types and is suited for inter-array and export cable installation, as well as repair operations. The system aims to reduce mobilisation costs and shorten lead times for offshore projects.
“With this modular system, we are introducing a unique solution that offers both operational flexibility and efficiency, supporting DFO’s commitment to deliver reliable and cost-effective services to the offshore wind industry,” said Timon Ligterink, commercial director APAC at Huisman.
A key feature of the system is an integrated quadrant handling mechanism that eliminates the need for a crane and can also function as a joint handling arm during repair work, according to the company.
The package includes dual 15mt tensioners, a 50mt A&R (abandonment and recovery) winch, and supports cables ranging from 50mm to 500mm in diameter. The new system builds on Huisman’s 2023 collaboration with cable-lay specialist ESD and follows a previous DFO order for a 3,000mt cable basket.
Polin Chen, CEO of Dong Fang Offshore, said the system’s adaptability across vessel classes will help meet growing demand for cable installations in regional and international markets. “The flexibility to be able to deploy integrated, fit-for-purpose spreads on both our Commissioning Service Operations Vessels and Offshore Construction Vessels… will ensure that there continues to be fit-for-purpose, best-in-class cable installations available to meet the challenging conditions of Taiwan and beyond,” he said.
The delivery marks Huisman’s entry into the cable-lay equipment market amid rising demand from offshore wind developments across Asia and Europe.
