Nexans Electra Joins Fleet as One of the World’s Most Advanced Cable-Laying Vessels

19 June 2026

CLV Nexans Electra. (Image credit: Nexans)

Nexans officially inaugurated the CLV Nexans Electra at a ceremony held in Oslo, Norway, on June 18, 2026. This milestone marks the entry into service of one of the world's most advanced cable-laying vessels, designed specifically for the scale and complexity of tomorrow's offshore and interconnection projects.

A Next-Generation Cable-Laying Vessel Designed for the Energy Transition

Already christened earlier in 2026, the CLV Nexans Electra now joins Nexans’ operational fleet as a fully commissioned asset, ready to deliver critical subsea cable infrastructure across the globe.

Matching the size of CLV Nexans Aurora at 149.9 meters in length and 31 meters in width, Nexans Electra represents a significant leap in installation capacity:

Three turntables with a combined capacity of 13,500 tons
Capability to lay up to four cables simultaneously
Full suite of advanced subsea installation tools, including burial and protection systems
Hybrid power system compatible with biodiesel blends, supporting reduced operational emissions

This exceptional versatility enables the vessel to execute both large-scale offshore wind developments and long-distance HVDC interconnectors, the critical infrastructure backbone of the global energy transition.

Strengthening One of the World’s Most Advanced Cable-Laying Fleets

With the addition of Nexans Electra, Nexans further reinforces its world-class offshore fleet, now comprising three cable-laying vessels capable of tackling the most complex subsea projects on the planet. Alongside CLV Nexans Aurora and C/S Nexans Skagerrak, this fleet underpins Nexans’ ability to execute large-scale projects at scale and depth, across both interconnectors and offshore wind.

“This is Nexans’ third cable-laying vessel of this generation. After the Nexans Skagerrak, after the Nexans Aurora, comes the Nexans Electra. Some people talk about the energy transition. We, at Nexans, don’t talk. We act, we build the infrastructure it needs,” said Julien Hueber, CEO, Nexans.

Scaling Up to Meet Surging Global Demand

The entry into service of Nexans Electra arrives as demand for subsea cables hits record levels. Demand for high-voltage subsea cables is accelerating, driven by rapid offshore wind expansion and the growing need for cross-border power interconnections.

As a global leader in high-voltage cable systems, Nexans has delivered more than 443 interconnection projects worldwide, representing 46 GW of installed capacity. With a record adjusted PWR-Transmission backlog of €7.7 billion in 2025, securing long-term visibility through 2028, the addition of Electra directly strengthens the Group’s capacity to deliver on this growing pipeline.

Key projects already underway or recently awarded include:

East Anglia TWO (UK): 960 MW offshore wind, ~100 km of 275 kV HVAC subsea cables
LanWin 2 (Germany): 250 km of 525 kV HVDC cables, 2 GW offshore wind capacity
Tyrrhenian Link (Italy): World record HVDC installation depth of 2,150 meters
Celtic Interconnector (Ireland/France): First electricity link between Ireland and France, 700 MW
Dieppe–Le Tréport (France): 496 MW offshore wind export cables
Malta-Sicily second interconnector (Malta/Italy): 225 MW interconnector.

Innovation, Sustainability, and Partnership at the Heart of Electra

Beyond its technical performance, CLV Nexans Electra reflects the Group’s drive to combine operational excellence and environmental responsibility. Its hybrid propulsion system is designed to reduce emissions during installation operations, while its advanced installation technologies ensure precision and reliability in even the most demanding offshore environments.

The inauguration event in Oslo brought together customers, partners, public authorities, and employees, reflecting the shared effort that a project of this scale demands.

Nexans Electra inauguration visit. (Image credit: Nexans)

Three Ships, Three Milestones at Sea

As Nexans welcomes CLV Nexans Electra into operation, this is also a moment to celebrate the legacy that has made it possible.

Two other vessels in the Nexans fleet are marking important milestones in 2026, each representing a distinct chapter in the Group’s journey at sea.

C/S Nexans Skagerrak

She celebrates 50 years of service this year. Built in 1976, she was the world’s first purpose-built cable-laying vessel for submarine high-voltage power cables, playing a pioneering role in delivering the Skagerrak HVDC Interconnector, the world’s first true long-distance submarine power link. At her launch, Skagerrak set new standards for cable capacity, installation depth, and vessel design. Five decades later, recently recertified and still in active operation, Skagerrak stands as a powerful symbol of Nexans’ engineering heritage and long-term commitment to reliability at sea.

CLV Nexans Aurora

She marks five years in operation this year. As the flagship of Nexans’ modern fleet, Aurora was purpose-built for precision, capacity, and demanding offshore environments. Its advanced technology—including 10,000-ton cable carrying capacity, a 75-ton specialist cable capstan, and the ability to operate at water depths exceeding 2,000 meters—and its environmentally focused design have supported major offshore wind and interconnector projects across the globe. In just five years, Aurora has become a central asset to global electrification.

Together, Nexans Skagerrak and Nexans Aurora reflect the strength of a fleet built on experience, innovation, and continuous progress. And now, Nexans Electra enters service, built on five decades of expertise at sea.