VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, is pleased to announce that I.T. International Telecom Marine SRL from Barbados has chosen VARD to convert the Platform Supply Vessel “IT Infinity” into a Cable Laying Vessel.

The PSV was built at Vard Brattvaag and delivered to Volstad Maritime in 2008 under the name “Volstad Princess”. SD Standard Drilling acquired the vessel in 2017 before it was sold to IT in 2021 and was renamed “IT Infinity”. Now, the vessel returns to VARD for the conversion.

– We are very proud that IT chose VARD as their partner for this conversion. We will now use our core competence and long experience in design and construction of advanced Cable Laying Vessels to meet IT Telecom`s needs in the market. This project demonstrates VARD’s strength with our fully integrated value chain and it confirms our position in the aftermarket, says Wilhelm Eggesbø Senior Vice President Vard Services in VARD.

The Group’s technology subsidiary Vard Electro is involved in the project through the installation of cable and new switchboards as well as updating existing electrical systems.

– IT is pleased to partner with VARD on the conversion of IT Infinity. Returning to the yard where she was built provides unique efficiencies, decreasing time to market for an industry in dire need of these specialized ships. Starting with an extremely capable vessel was of utmost importance to IT. Combined with upgrades to the latest generation submarine cable handling and burial equipment, IT Infinity will be prepared to perform the various tasks required of her by IT’s customers around the world. This conversion project is the first of many in IT’s mission to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the submarine cable space, says Louise Thivierge, General Manager at IT.

The work will be carried out by Vard Brattvaag in Norway and the vessel will be delivered in Q3 2024.