Colombo Dockyard to start construction of two new Orange Marine fiber optic cable vessels

Image: Vard

Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard reports that the shipbuilding contract entered into with French subsea cable vessel operator Orange Marine last November for the construction of two state-of-the-art Vard-designed cable laying vessels has officially become effective, following the successful fulfillment of all conditions precedent stipulated in the shipbuilding contract.

Colombo Dockyard says that the ship design phase is currently progressing well in collaboration with Vard of Norway and that the procurement process has commenced, with machinery and equipment items with long lead times already ordered to ensure the timely execution of the project.

The Vard 9 03 design for Orange Marine is specially designed for the maintenance of submarine fiber optic telecommunication cables. Vard developed the vessel design according to the clients operating requirements, with particular focus on sea-keeping capabilities, low fuel consumption and efficient arrangements – making it a highly specialized and effective tool for the repair market.

“We highly appreciate that the close cooperation between Orange Marine, Colombo Dockyard and Vard has now resulted in another two vessel designs for the fiber optic cable ship segment,” said Kjell Morten Urke, general manager of Vard Design. “We are also proud of the strong portfolio we have established within cable laying vessel design. Our engineers are doing an outstanding job in developing new vessel solutions for this market segment, working closely with both ship owners and operators to ensure optimal functionality, efficiency and long‑term value.”