Belgian marine contractor Jan De Nul has launched its second next-generation cable laying vessel (CLV), William Thomson, as it expands capacity to support growing offshore wind and grid interconnection projects.The William Thomson
Belgian marine contractor Jan De Nul has launched its second next-generation cable laying vessel (CLV), William Thomson, as it expands capacity to support growing offshore wind and grid interconnection projects.
The William Thomson vessel follows the earlier launch of its sister ship Fleeming Jenkin in October 2025, with both units set to become the largest cable-laying vessels of their kind.
Both vessels, launched at CMHI Haimen shipyard in China, measure 215 meters in length and has a cable-carrying capacity of 28,000 tonnes, allowing longer subsea cables to be installed in a single campaign and reducing the need for return trips.
The vessels are designed to operate in water depths of up to 4,000 meters and are equipped with systems capable of handling cable tensions of up to 150 tonnes. They feature three cable carousels and can lay up to four cables simultaneously.
Jan De Nul said both vessels were designed in-house, combining its experience in subsea cable installation with new engineering capabilities.
“The William Thomson and its identical sister, the Fleeming Jenkin, bring together all the expertise in cable installation that we have built
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