Asso.subsea Orders Advanced Trenching Support Vessel from China Merchants Shipyard

Post by : Meena Rani

Greek subsea services provider Asso.subsea has secured a significant contract with China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) Shenzhen Shipyard for the construction of a next-generation trenching support vessel (TSV), named Avra. Scheduled for delivery at the end of 2027, Avra is set to enhance Asso.subsea's capabilities in offshore wind and subsea cable operations.

The Avra TSV is designed to meet the growing demands of the offshore energy sector, particularly in floating wind installations and subsea cable projects. With a hybrid power system delivering 24 MW and over 180 tons of bollard pull, the vessel is engineered to operate advanced trenching, ploughing, and boulder clearance tools simultaneously, even in challenging weather conditions. This dual capability is expected to accelerate project timelines and improve operational efficiency.

Equipped with a 4,000-ton under-deck cable carousel and twin working decks, Avra can support a wide range of projects, including dynamic cable spreads and inter-array cable operations. The vessel's design emphasizes sustainability, featuring methanol and bio-fuel readiness, a large battery hybrid system, and cold-ironing capability to reduce its environmental footprint.

This contract marks a strategic milestone for Asso.subsea, following the recent announcement of its cable laying vessel, Althea. Both vessels underscore the company's commitment to expanding its fleet and enhancing its service offerings in the offshore energy sector. The partnership with CMHI reflects a shared vision for innovation and excellence in marine technology.

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