Nexans’ new cable-layer, Electra, has left the dock at Ulstein Verft—meaning fresh tier‑1 cable‑laying capacity is about to hit the water. For offshore wind and interconnector projects, this doesn’t just add a hull; it unlocks installation windows and shifts where the bottlenecks will appear in 2026.

Each Electra campaign will pull a multi‑vessel spread: DP2 MPSVs with ROV trenchers or ploughs for burial, survey/UXO clearance ahead of the lay route, guard vessels, and logistics support. Nearshore, expect tight competition for shallow‑draft multicats and utility tugs for beach pulls and HDD pull‑ins. CTV and SOV schedules spike during pull‑ins and terminations, often compressing notice to charter from months to weeks. Owners that position gear and crews near the corridor will win on weather response, while charterers cut fuel burn and CO₂ by shortening transits.

A clear trend: support specs are moving up and cleaner. Project managers increasingly require DP2+ station‑keeping on trenching and support tonnage, plus hybrid battery assistance or HVO/methanol‑ready gensets to curb idle consumption during standby. Ports are also more selective: high‑throughput cable loadouts favour vessels with proven deck layouts, A‑frames, and 4‑point mooring capability for nearshore work. Smart contracts are following—performance‑linked standby and weather clauses reward readiness instead of just day count.

Many 2026 scopes will be decided by logistics, not metal—who is closest, certified, and ready to sail on a 48–72 hour weather break wins.

Takeaway: Electra adds lay capacity, but the squeeze moves to DP2 support, nearshore spreads, and port slots.

If you’d like to discuss your offshore projects, reach us anytime at sales@seavium.com.