Nexans takes delivery of new-generation cable-layer

A naming ceremony for the vessel took place on 28 April 2026 at Ulstein Verft in Norway, with a formal change of flag and operational handover completed on 18 May 2026.

Following handover, the vessel entered its final commissioning phase ahead of deployment on upcoming projects.

Purpose‑built to meet the needs of the offshore wind and interconnector markets, Nexans Electra is an evolved version of the design of the company’s cable-lay vessel Nexans Aurora.

The new vessel has three turntables with a total cable capacity of 13,500 tonnes and the capability to bundle‑lay up to four cables simultaneously. Equipped with advanced subsea tooling – including jetting and burial systems – Nexans Electra has a hybrid power system with the ability to operate on biodiesel blends, significantly reducing emissions while maintaining performance.

At 149.9 m long with a breadth of 31 m, Nexans Electra combines deepwater capability with the ability to operate in near‑shore areas. The vessel was designed with a high level of redundancy built-in, and has a DP3 dynamic positioning system,.

Nexans senior vice president Pascal Radue said, “Execution is where subsea projects are won or lost, and our cable‑laying fleet is critical to success. The naming and handover of Nexans Electra are a defining moment in our long‑term investment strategy. This vessel expands our capacity to deliver the most complex subsea projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably, exactly what our customers need as the energy transition accelerates.”

Built at Ulstein Verft, Nexans Electra reflects close collaboration between Nexans, Norwegian shipbuilding expertise, and a global network of technology partners.

Ulstein Group chief executive Gunvor Ulstein said, “Delivery of Nexans Electra is an important milestone for Ulstein Verft. Together with Nexans Aurora, delivered in 2021, this project demonstrates our long-standing capability to deliver complex, tailor-made vessels to the international cable-laying market.”