Asso.subsea Orders Second Next-Gen Trenching Support Vessel from China Merchants

Greek offshore services provider Asso.subsea has signed a shipbuilding contract with China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) for the construction of a second next-generation trenching support vessel. According to an announcement from Asso.subsea, the new vessel will be based on the same design as the company's first trenching support vessel ordered from CMHI in 2021. The 123-meter vessel will be equipped with a state-of-the-art trenching system capable of operating in water depths of up to 3,000 meters. 'This new order is a testament to our commitment to investing in the latest and most advanced offshore support vessels to meet the evolving needs of our clients,' said Asso.subsea CEO John Panagiotidis. 'The proven design and performance of our first vessel from CMHI gave us the confidence to place this follow-on order.' The new vessel will join Asso.subsea's fleet of offshore construction and support vessels, which are deployed globally to support subsea cable installation, offshore wind, and oil and gas projects. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, according to the company. The order comes as the offshore energy sector continues to see strong demand for specialized support vessels to support the buildout of offshore wind farms and subsea infrastructure. Trenching support vessels play a critical role in burying and protecting subsea cables, pipelines, and other subsea assets.