Van Oord’s newest cable-laying vessel, the Calypso, has made its official debut by installing cables on its first offshore wind project.
The Calypso’s first project is RWE’s 1.4GW Sofia offshore wind farm in the UK, one of the largest offshore wind projects in the world.
After the Nexus, the Calypso (pictured) is Van Oord’s second cable-laying vessel.
Custom-built and featuring the latest sustainable technologies, the vessel is a key strategic addition to Van Oord’s offshore wind fleet.
The Calypso is purpose-built to install inter-array grid and export cables for offshore wind projects worldwide, including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables. Van Oord’s highly innovative trenchers can also be operated from the vessel.
The Calypso is equipped with two carousels, one on deck and another below deck, providing a total line-carrying capacity of 8000 tonnes and capable of laying two HVDC wires simultaneously.
The vessel’s design incorporates the latest sustainable technologies to reduce its carbon footprint.
Apart from the ability to run on biofuel, this hybrid vessel has future-ready engines with built-in flexibility to anticipate e-fuels.
It has a large battery pack, a shore supply connection, and an energy management system.
Van Oord managing director offshore energy Arnoud Kuis said: “With the Calypso now operational, we have significantly strengthened our cable installation fleet.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to continuously reinforcing our leading position in the market by investing in sustainable technology.
“With two cable installation vessels at our disposal, along with our extensive experience and expertise, we have the resources and flexibility needed to provide value to our clients and excel in this dynamic industry.
“It’s exciting to see the Calypso in action, installing its first cables on the Sofia project, and we look forward to its successful deployment on many more offshore wind projects.”