LS Marine Solution is investing 345.8 billion won to construct the world’s largest submarine cable-laying vessel. This move is strategically positioned to secure more large-scale high voltage direct current and offshore wind power projects.

On May 27, The company announced plans to build a large cable-laying vessel with a cable loading capacity of 13,000 tons. Cable-laying vessels are essential equipment for constructing long-distance independent power transmission networks.

The new vessel will be equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of simultaneously laying HVDC submarine cables and optical cables. It is a high-specification vessel, with only three such ships currently operating worldwide. In submarine cable installations, minimizing connections is crucial to prevent seawater infiltration. In such environments, LS Marine Solution’s new vessel is considered the only viable option for long-distance cable laying.

Notably, in terms of cable loading capacity, it ranks among the top five globally and is the largest in Asia. An LS Marine Solution representative stated, “It will have the highest competitiveness among the approximately 20 cable-laying vessels worldwide,” adding, “As most cable-laying vessels are concentrated in Europe, this signifies Korea’s emergence as a global supply chain hub.”

LS Marine Solution is enhancing its technological capabilities in response to the “West Coast HVDC Energy Highway.” The new vessel is optimized for HVDC power grid construction, boasting technical competitiveness that enables stable construction in long-distance, high-voltage, and deep-water environments. After a two-year construction period, the vessel is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2028. Coinciding with the start of production at LS GreenLink’s submarine cable facility in the United States, this will fully activate a global turnkey order system encompassing design, production, and construction.

Kim Byung-ok, CEO of LS Marine Solution, said, “The new cable-laying vessel will be a turning point in enhancing national power grid independence and strategic response capabilities, beyond just expanding equipment,” adding, “Together with LS Cable & System, we will fully enter large-scale offshore wind power projects both domestically and internationally, as well as ultra-long-distance submarine network construction projects.” LS Marine Solution is expanding its domestic and international power grid business, having completed the construction of the Jeonnam Offshore Wind Farm Phase 1 (96MW) in February and recently securing a $15.8 million (approximately 22.7 billion won) submarine cable construction contract for an offshore wind farm in Taiwan.

Source:Business Korea