Taihan Secures Second CLV as Offshore Wind Cable Demand Tightens Vessel Supply

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Taihan has acquired a second cable laying vessel as offshore wind developers and grid operators compete for limited installation capacity in the global submarine cable market.

The South Korean cable manufacturer said on May 14 it signed an agreement with Norway based DOF Group for the purchase of the 10,000 ton class Skandi Connector, a cable laying vessel designed for offshore wind and power interconnection projects. Delivery to Korea is scheduled for August.

The acquisition gives Taihan a two vessel installation fleet alongside PALOS, currently the only offshore wind dedicated cable laying vessel operating domestically in Korea. The company said the additional vessel strengthens its ability to execute both offshore wind export cable work and long distance high voltage direct current, or HVDC, transmission projects at the same time.

For cable manufacturers moving deeper into turnkey contracting, vessel access has become as critical as factory capacity. Without installation assets, even completed cable orders can sit idle waiting for offshore deployment windows.

The Skandi Connector can load up to 7,000 tons of submarine cable in a single campaign and has previously completed 27 cable installation projects totaling about 1,300 km worldwide, including operations in Europe.

Originally designed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen and operated by DOF Group, the vessel is equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system that allows it to maintain stable positioning during installation operations under changing weather conditions.

Taihan said the vessel includes a large carousel and high specification tensioners suitable for export cables, short distance HVDC links, and long distance interconnection projects.

The company also pointed to the vessel’s flat bottom hull design, which it said is suited to shallow coastal waters around Korea’s West Sea where tidal currents are strong and operating depths are relatively low.

Unlike cable laying barges that require tug assistance, the self propelled vessel can operate at speeds of up to 12 knots. That operational flexibility could become increasingly important as offshore wind construction schedules tighten across Asia.

With the addition of Skandi Connector, Taihan is building a vertically integrated submarine cable operation covering manufacturing, transport, and offshore installation.

The company said synergies are expected with Taihan Ocean Works, its submarine installation subsidiary, particularly in turnkey project execution.

The investment also reflects wider pressure in the offshore wind supply chain. Demand for cable laying vessels has increased sharply as Europe and Asia accelerate offshore wind development while governments expand cross border grid interconnection projects.

Newbuild cable laying vessels often require multi year lead times before delivery. By securing an existing operational vessel instead of commissioning a newbuild, Taihan gains immediate deployment capacity at a time when vessel availability remains tight.

The company said the acquisition could also reduce Korea’s dependence on foreign flagged installation vessels for domestic grid projects while creating additional revenue opportunities through chartering activities.

A company official said the combined operation of PALOS and Skandi Connector would allow Taihan to execute offshore wind projects and long distance interconnection work simultaneously while strengthening its position in the global submarine cable market.