#United States #New York #Crowley #Nexans #Empire Wind

Nexans and Crowley Forge a Revolutionary Partnership

In a thrilling development for the offshore energy sector, Nexans, a key player in the global energy transition, has partnered with Crowley Wind Services, a leader in American shipping and logistics. Together, they aim to establish a groundbreaking, U.S.-flagged cable lay barge tailored for the installation of subsea transmission lines that serve essential energy sources, telecommunications, and various industrial applications.

The State-of-the-Art Cable Lay Barge

This impressive 300-foot vessel has been meticulously designed and constructed in Louisiana, adhering to demanding specifications laid out by Nexans. Recently tested in the Gulf of America, the cable lay barge is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a dynamic positioning system that, when combined with multiple anchors, ensures precise cable placement even in challenging maritime conditions.

A standout feature of this barge is its 3,500-ton capacity carousel, enabling it to lay and bury subsea cables using a variety of specialized burial tools such as a vertical injector, a jet sled, and a jetting ROV. The design also allows for upgrades that could double the carousel's capacity to 7,000 tons, making it an adaptable solution for future projects.

Currently, the barge is working on the Empire Wind offshore wind farm project off the coast of New York, symbolizing the first major U.S. application of this innovative technology. However, its capabilities extend far beyond this site; it can be reconfigured to accommodate the laying or repair of cables for a multitude of subsea applications.

Commitment to U.S. Energy and Maritime Workforce

Nexans’ Executive Vice President of PWR-Transmission, Pascal Radue, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating: "This barge will enhance our existing fleet of cable-laying vessels, including the Nexans CLV Aurora, Nexans C/S Skagerrak, and Nexans CLV Electra. We are excited to collaborate with Crowley to develop the capability to lay nearshore subsea cables here in the U.S."

Equally optimistic is Graham Tyson, Vice President of Operations at Crowley Wind Services, who remarked, "The cable lay barge represents a productive supply chain solution not just for offshore energy but also for telecommunications and other sectors. With our robust U.S. maritime fleet and experienced mariners, we are uniquely positioned to meet the demands of industries requiring subsea cable solutions."

Nexans: Leading the Charge Toward Sustainable Electrification

Nexans is renowned as a global leader in sustainable electrification, dedicated to developing systems that facilitate the transition to a connected, resilient, and low-carbon future. The company boasts over 140 years of industry experience and operates in 41 countries, employing 28,500 people. In 2024, Nexans generated €7.1 billion in sales and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The partnership with Crowley not only reflects Nexans’ dedication to innovation but also reinforces its commitment to enhancing energy access through projects like the development of the new cable lay barge. As the demand for renewable energy solutions continues to rise, initiatives like these are pivotal to advancing the future of subsea cable installations.

With this pioneering project, Nexans and Crowley are not just setting a new standard for cable laying in the U.S.; they are also contributing substantially to the broader goal of sustainable energy development, marking an exciting new chapter in offshore infrastructure development.