France-based Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) recently added a new vessel to its cable maintenance fleet.
Ile de Molene is being operated by ASN's compatriot company Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) to carry out maintenance and repair on the submarine telecommunication cables of ASN's customers in the Atlantic Ocean and in the North Sea. The vessel is one of two cable maintenance ships in the ASN fleet, and its acquisition was done as part of the modernisation and expansion of the company's installation and maintenance capabilities in anticipation of growth in the global submarine telecommunications market.
The vessel was originally built as a platform supply vessel (PSV) at a Chinese shipyard in 2006. Conversion work was carried out at a yard in Gdansk, Poland, for over 12 months. LDA also supported the conversion from the design phase to the final outfitting.
Ile de Molene has an LOA of 98 metres, a moulded beam of 22 metres, a draught of six metres, a deadweight of 4,312, and a total installed power of 6,000 kW delivering a service speed of just over 12 knots. Accommodations are available for a 45-strong crew.
To enable it to perform cable maintenance duties, the vessel is fitted with advanced positioning systems and deck space for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for underwater inspections.
Ile de Molene recently completed its first project under the ASN banner, performing cable maintenance on behalf of an undisclosed client off the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao.
| Ile de Molene | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | Cable maintenance vessel |
| Flag: | France |
| Owner: | Alcatel Submarine Networks, France |
| Operator: | Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, France |
| Length overall: | 98 metres |
| Beam: | 22 metres |
| Draught: | 6.0 metres |
| Deadweight tonnage: | 4,312 |
| Main engine: | 6,000 kW |
| Cruising speed: | 12 knots |
| Crew: | 45 |
| Operational areas: | Atlantic Ocean; North Sea |