Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the project progress has been steady, and the vessel was delivered on time on 31 May 2021, three years after the signing of the shipbuilding contract.
"We are grateful to have been awarded this contract from Nexans. The successful completion of the project fortifies Ulstein's position as a world leader within construction of this type of specialised vessel. This achievement is also a result of the complete maritime cluster in this area. The close dialogue and cooperation within this highly competent environment results in reduced lead time and are important elements to ensure good progress. "In addition, the cooperation between Ulstein, Nexans and the designer, Skipsteknisk, has been crucial for a successful project," says CEO Ulstein Group, Cathrine Kristiseter Marti.
The 149.9m long and 31m wide vessel boasts over 10,000 tons of cable load capacity and is fitted with state-of-the-art instruments for cable transport, installation, and protection.
Ragnhild Katteland, Executive Vice President, Subsea & Land Systems Business Group at Nexans, says: "The delivery of the "CLV Nexans Aurora" is an important step to fulfil our purpose "Electrify the Future"; creating a safer, more sustainable, renewable and inclusive global energy system. The "CLV Nexans Aurora" will contribute to unlocking the huge potential of offshore renewable energy for our customers worldwide. We are impressed by the effort done by the Ulstein Group, MAATS Tech Ltd and Skipsteknisk to deliver the "CLV Nexans Aurora" on time despite the uncertainties and difficulties created by the Covid-19 pandemic."
Once launched, "CLV Nexans Aurora" will lay export cables for offshore wind farms and interconnectors around the world like for the Seagreen OWF in Scotland, the Crete-Attica interconnector in Greece and the Empire Offshore Wind project in the U.S.
