VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, is pleased to announce that Orange Marine, France, has decided to go back to Colombo Dockyard for an expansion of the repair fleet, and has placed an order for two additional vessels of the VARD 9 03 design

This is the same design as the cable layer CS Sophie Germain, delivered from Colombo Dockyard on the 28th of July 2023 to Orange Marine.

VARD and Orange Marine’s cooperation goes back to 2012 when VARD was selected for the design and construction of their fiber optic cable laying and repair vessel of VARD 9 01 design “Pierre de Fermat”. VARD is the offshore specialist in the Fincantieri Group and VARD’s collaboration with Colombo Dockyard kicked off with the cable layer “KDDI Cable Infinity” and these two new vessels will be the third and fourth VARD design cable layers built by Colombo Dockyard.

The VARD 9 03 design for Orange Marine is specially designed for the maintenance of submarine fiber optic telecommunication cables. VARD developed the vessel design according to the clients operating requirements, with particular focus on sea-keeping capabilities, low fuel consumption and efficient arrangements – making it a highly specialized and effective tool for the repair market.

Well positioned in the cable layer market

VARD is continuously expanding the portfolio for power- and telecom cable laying and repair vessels and developing inhouse competence and experience within this segment, working with significant companies in the industry.

Currently VARD has designed and/or built 9 cable laying vessels and including these orders VARD now has 5 vessels under construction. With this extensive track record VARD is positioned as one of the most experienced designers and builders of cable laying vessels.

VARD is pleased to continue the cooperation with Orange Marine and Colombo Dockyard and for the trust the cable ship market is showing.

Kjell Morten Urke, General Manager for Vard Design says:

“We highly appreciate that the close cooperation between Orange Marine, Colombo Dockyard and VARD now result in another two vessel designs for the fiber optic cable ship segment. We are also proud of the strong portfolio we have established within cable laying vessel design. Our engineers are doing an outstanding job in developing new vessel solutions for this market segment, working closely with both ship owners and operators to ensure optimal functionality, efficiency and long‑term value.”