Ulstein Verft has delivered Nexans Electra, a DP3 cable‑laying vessel (CLV), to Nexans. The vessel further strengthens Nexans’ capacity to support the global energy transition by installing advanced subsea power and communication cable systems.
The delivery of Nexans Electra marks an important milestone for us and confirms the strong execution capabilities of Ulstein Verft. The vessel is the result of a highly competent and committed project team, with Ulstein once again demonstrating solid project execution through all phases of a complex construction project with a large number of integrated mission systems.
"We value the professional and collaborative approach throughout the project and are pleased to welcome Nexans Electra into our fleet," says Lars Eriksen, Nexans Norway CEO.
The CLV Nexans Electra is a sister vessel to the CLV Nexans Aurora, which was delivered from Ulstein Verft in 2021, and incorporates enhanced capacity and updated arrangements. The vessel features an additional under-deck turntable with a 3,500-tonne cable capacity, a split turntable on deck holding up to 10,000 tonnes of cable, and a fibre-optic tank with a capacity of 450 tonnes. When entering service in 2026, Nexans Electra will be an important asset for offshore renewable and interconnector projects worldwide.
Designed for demanding offshore operations, Nexans Electra is purpose‑built for the transport, laying, protection, repair and jointing of subsea power cables. The vessel allows high‑capacity installation with excellent manoeuvrability and strong station‑keeping performance, enabling efficient operations in harsh weather conditions.
With her large cable‑carrying capacity and specialised installation equipment, Nexans Electra is well-suited for offshore wind developments, interconnectors and other critical electrification infrastructure, supporting Nexans’ turnkey solutions for subsea cable systems worldwide.
See the interior of the 'Nexans Electra':
The naming and handover of Nexans Electra mark a defining moment in our long‑term investment strategy.
“Execution is where subsea projects are won or lost, and our cable‑laying fleet is critical to success", said Pascal Radue, Executive Vice President, Nexans Power Transmission Business Group.
"This vessel significantly expands our capacity to deliver the most complex subsea projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably, exactly what our customers need as the energy transition accelerates."
Ulstein Verft was responsible for the turnkey delivery of the vessel, including outfitting and finalisation at its yard in Ulsteinvik, drawing on extensive experience in delivering highly specialised, equipment‑intensive vessels.
“With Nexans Electra, we are proud to add another advanced cable-laying vessel to the Ulstein delivery list. Together with Nexans Aurora, this project demonstrates our long-standing capability to deliver complex, tailor-made vessels to the international cable-laying market, in close collaboration with Nexans, an experienced and highly competent shipowner,” says Gunvor Ulstein, CEO of Ulstein Group.
The delivery of Nexans Electra reinforces the long‑standing cooperation between Nexans and Ulstein and underlines Ulstein Verft’s position as a trusted builder of large, complex cable‑laying vessels for the international offshore energy market.
Ulstein Verft builds a wide range of highly efficient ships with lasting competitiveness. We offer our combined know-how in design, engineering, project management, construction, installation and commissioning. We have been shipbuilders since 1917, renowned for delivering quality, on-time.
Ulstein Verft is a compact and complete shipyard with excellent facilities, including a dock hall, to secure the best possible quality on every process in the outfitting, integrating and finishing of new builds, ship repairs and conversions. All assets are within walking distance from the yard administration offices.
The controlled environment within a dry dock provides an optimal setting for ship construction and ship repair projects. Shielded from the elements, our workers can operate safely and efficiently, unfazed by inclement weather or turbulent waters. This climate-controlled haven ensures precise measurements and fittings and enhances the vessels' longevity and durability, reinforcing our commitment to delivering uncompromising quality.
The shipbuilding construction of Nexans Electra is approaching its final phase in the dock, before the comprehensive work continues quayside ahead of sea trials in spring 2026. How do you organise a staff of hundreds of workers, subcontractors and suppliers over several months to deliver the project on time and within budget? Join project manager Runar Toftesund at Ulstein Verft for a look behind the scenes.
On 13 November 2025, the Nexans Electra cable laying vessel (CLV) was positioned quayside at Ulstein Verft, marking a major milestone in the vessel’s journey towards completion. During its time at Ulstein Verft, the vessel has been in a roofed, controlled environment, ensuring optimal conditions for work environment and precision painting.
The hull of the state-of-the-art DP3 cable-laying vessel Nexans Electra arrived at Ulstein Verft on 5 July 2025. This marks the commencement of the outfitting and completion phase of the vessel. Upon completion in 2026, she will feature a split turntable on deck capable of holding up to 10,000 tonnes of cable, an under-deck turntable with a 3,500-tonne cable capacity, and a fibre optic tank with a 450-tonne capacity.
