Dutch offshore equipment specialist Huisman has landed its first contract for a modular 30mt Cable-Lay System, awarded by Taiwan-based offshore contractor Dong Fang Offshore (DFO). The deal marks a strategic move by both companies to enhance cable installation and repair capabilities across DFO’s expanding fleet of offshore vessels.
The system will be installed across a range of DFO’s vessels, including their new Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) and Offshore Construction Vessels (OCVs), currently under construction by VARD. Huisman’s entry into the cable-lay segment builds on decades of experience in pipelay systems and introduces a modular solution focused on adaptability, rapid deployment, and operational efficiency.
At the heart of the new design is its plug-and-play architecture: the entire spread is delivered as a single integrated system with quick connection interfaces. This approach significantly reduces mobilisation time, commissioning overhead, and the need for hot work during project start-up. It also enhances vessel utilisation, as the system can be rapidly reconfigured depending on the vessel or operation type — from inter-array and export cable lay to repair campaigns.
One standout innovation is Huisman’s integrated quadrant handling system. Traditionally, deploying a quadrant overboard requires a separate crane operation. Huisman’s system removes this need entirely. During cable repair operations, the same quadrant system can double as a joint handling arm, freeing up vessel lifting capacity and streamlining deck operations.
Polin Chen, CEO at Dong Fang Offshore, emphasised the strategic value of modular deployment. “We are excited to place an order for a first-of-its-kind modular cable-lay spread for our growing fleet of vessels. The flexibility to deploy integrated, fit-for-purpose spreads on both our CSOVs and OCVs, in a short period of time, we believe creates significant value for our customers and will ensure that there continues to be fit-for-purpose, best-in-class cable installations available to meet the challenging conditions of Taiwan and beyond.”
The Cable-Lay System’s modularity and size make it particularly relevant for the Taiwanese offshore wind sector, where project timelines are tight, and weather windows narrow. With East Asia’s offshore wind development ramping up, equipment that reduces vessel idle time and enhances operational flexibility is increasingly in demand.
In technical terms, the new system features dual 15mt tensioners and supports a minimum bending radius of 5 metres. It also includes a 50mt Abandonment and Recovery (A&R) winch and can handle cables ranging from 50mm to 500mm in diameter — making it suitable for a broad range of offshore wind and subsea power projects.
Timon Ligterink, Commercial Director APAC at Huisman, commented: “We are proud to support our valued client Dong Fang Offshore with this next step in their offshore cable-lay ambitions. With this modular system, we are introducing a unique solution that offers both operational flexibility and efficiency, supporting DFO’s commitment to deliver reliable and cost-effective services to the offshore wind industry.”
The contract follows a Letter of Intent signed in late 2023 when DFO ordered a 3,000mt cable basket from Huisman, underscoring a growing relationship between the two companies.
Development of the new Cable-Lay System is also supported by ESD, a cable-lay operations specialist. The partnership, active since 2023, combines ESD’s field expertise with Huisman’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Their collaboration has helped shape a system designed not just for today’s needs, but for future offshore requirements, where vessel flexibility and operational speed will be key differentiators.
As Taiwan pushes to scale its offshore wind sector and regional contractors race to optimise fleet performance, this latest contract illustrates how modular, multi-vessel-compatible systems are becoming central to offshore strategy.
Key Specifications of the Huisman Cable-Lay System:
- 2 x 15mt tensioners
- 5m minimum bending radius
- 50mt A&R winch
- Cable diameter compatibility: 50mm to 500mm
- Smart quadrant handling system (no crane required)
- Modular configuration for inter-array, export, and repair operations
- Quick connection interfaces for fast deployment without hot work
