XLCC has completed the concept design of a cable-lay vessel (CLV) that it says will be delivered in the first half of 2025.
The planned delivery of the XLCC CLV will support the Morocco – UK Power Project, the cable manufacturer said.
XLCC director Alan Mathers said: “Our Vessel will be, on delivery, the most sophisticated, capable and green cable layer in the world.
“With this capability, we will be able to deliver on increasing demands globally for HVDC cable deployment and fill a current and future void in the market.”
In close collaboration with Salt Ship Design, the team have started the development of the basic design of the vessel while working towards the selection of a successful yard, XLCC said.
It said that this approach saves time as activities are started prior to the selection of the shipyard, further mitigating risk for all parties.
The vessel design is being developed from basic design stage in 3D engineering software for best definition of steel structures and interiors arrangement, XLCC said.
Operational aspects of the cable handling have been studied in close collaboration with MAATS Tech and Global Marine, according to the company.
Salt Ship Design sales director Tor Henning Vestbøstad said: “We are thrilled to be part of this exciting project, an enabler for more renewable energy to the world.
“The design is now matured to the level ready for pricing at yards and we are glad to continue the development of the project for further maturing the details.”
XLCC has appointed V.Group as their partner to support with the technical development and construction of the vessel.
V.Group’s strategic collaboration is being supported through its technical services, SeaTec, and the yard selection and appointment through its procurement and contracting platform, MARCAS.
The tender process is now underway, with the aim to select the successful yard by end Q2 2022, XLCC added.
V.Group chief executive for marine services Elliot Gow said: “V.Group is honoured to be selected as the partner for this ambitious and exciting project that will bring long term, sustainable energy production to the UK, whilst further reducing the reliance on hydrocarbons.
“We look forward to working with the highly capable team within XLCC, adding our blend of marine, technical and commercial expertise to bring this vessel successfully into operation.”
The design will shortly be released for tender to an identified shortlist of shipyards capable of delivering on such an ambitious project.