Megamas Resources, Semarak Renewable Energy agree plan for cable-lay vessels

Malaysia-based Megamas said the companies intended to develop “cutting-edge, fuel-efficient vessels designed to install and maintain offshore renewable power cables and subsea fibre-optic cables.”

The company said the plan is backed by partners including Chalfouh International LLC, Crewstone International Private Equity & Investments and Symphonet.

Megamas said the aim of the plan is to support the expansion of the offshore wind sector and growing demand for inter-array and export power cables, and enhance regional telecommunications infrastructure.

Reports suggest the companies plan to build cable-lay vessels designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions, with operations scheduled to commence by mid-2027.

In late 2023, Megamas said it had contracted Ulstein Design & Solutions for the design of what they describe as “an advanced, highly integrated and fuel-efficient cable laying and repair vessel”.

The company, at that time working with Singapore-based Renaissance Technologies, said the decision to design and build the vessels was taken in “view of the shortage of cable ships, and the overall age of the fleet of vessels serving the cable industry.”

Megamas Resources originally said it planned to introduce two newbuilds based on the Ulstein design, with the first ready for service as early as 2026.