Altera Cable-Lay Vessel – Joint Animation Project by N-Sea, MacArtney, Enersea & SCA

Altera is a state-of-the-art cable-lay vessel (CLV) engineered to support the growing demands of offshore wind development. Designed with high operational efficiency, dynamic positioning capabilities, and advanced deck equipment, Altera enables safe and precise installation of subsea power cables in challenging marine environments. This animation showcases the advanced capabilities of Altera, a next-generation cable-lay vessel designed for offshore wind operations. The full animation was premiered for the very first time at Offshore Energy 2025, where it attracted significant attention from exhibitors, industry professionals, and visitors throughout the event.

Key Technical Features of the Altera Vessel

DP2 dynamic positioning system: for maintaining accurate station keeping during cable lay operations.
Large turntable / carousel system: designed to store and deploy subsea HV cables efficiently.
Integrated cable tensioners and track systems: ensuring controlled speed, tension, and alignment during installation.
High-capacity A-frames and winches: enabling overboarding and subsea handling of cables, joints, and offshore hardware.
Dedicated ROV systems: for seabed inspection, touchdown monitoring, and post-lay verification.
Optimized hull design: to minimize motion, maximize stability, and improve operability in offshore wind fields.

Cable-Laying Process for Offshore Wind Farms
The installation of subsea power cables is a critical stage in offshore wind development. The process typically includes:

1. Route Survey & Seabed Preparation
High-resolution subsea surveys and trench assessments ensure that the cable route is free of obstacles, uneven seabed, and potential hazards.

2. Cable Loading & Mobilization
The cables are spooled into the vessel’s carousel and connected to handling equipment. Final tests are performed before departure.

3. Cable Lay Operations
Using DP2 station-keeping, the vessel follows the predefined route at controlled speeds, while tensioners guide the cable over the stern or through a specialized chute.

4. Touchdown Monitoring
ROVs continuously monitor the cable as it lands on the seabed, ensuring correct tension, curvature, and positioning.

5. Trenching & Burial
Depending on project requirements, jetting tools, mechanical trenchers, or ploughs are used to bury the cable for protection against external forces.

6. Post-Lay Inspection
Final ROV inspections verify burial depth, route alignment, and any potential anomalies.

Altera’s advanced systems make it an ideal asset for complex offshore wind projects, ensuring precision, safety, and operational reliability throughout the full cable-lay lifecycle.

About International Energy Club
International Energy Club is a world-renowned offshore animation studio known for its commitment to excellence and innovation in visual storytelling. With a diverse portfolio spanning various genres and mediums, the studio continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its captivating animations. To know more about us & our capabilities in the field of offshore, marine & subsea animations, you can visit our website. http://www.internationalenergyclub.com/

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