DEME has further strengthened its position to serve the growing offshore wind industry with the purchase of the DP3 offshore installation vessel Viking Neptun. DEME bought the vessel from the Norwegian shipping company Eidesvik. 

Built to the highest Norwegian quality standards, Viking Neptun currently has a turntable capable of handling 4,500 tonnes of cables below deck, but DEME will further boost its capacity by adding a second, 7,000 tonne cable turntable on deck.

The addition of the vessel is in line with DEME’s strategy to deploy the most versatile and high-tech fleet in the industry. DEME already operates the pioneering, DP3 cable installation vessel Living Stone, renowned as one of the fastest and most efficient vessels in the cable installation sector.

Continuing DEME’s efforts to provide a future-proof, sustainable fleet, the vessel is fully compliant with the latest emission standards and features the latest environmental technology, including a battery pack for best in class fuel efficiency and more sustainable operations.

The 145-metre long vessel is also equipped with a large, unobstructed deck and a 400 tonne Active Heave Compensated Knuckle Boom crane, which also makes Viking Neptun ideal for the construction of floating wind farms.

Hugo Bouvy, managing director DEME Offshore, comments, “DEME is always keen to anticipate the future demands of our clients and to support them in their growth. Acquiring a second, large cable-laying vessel ensures that we are ready to serve their needs now and in the future, and that we take a proactive role in helping to facilitate the energy transition.”

Viking Neptun is set to join the DEME fleet in the last quarter of 2022.