Nexans, a global leader in cable systems, has formally partnered with Crowley Wind Services to develop and operate the first Jones Act-compliant cable lay barge in the United States. This strategic collaboration aims to bolster subsea transmission capabilities for the burgeoning U.S. offshore wind industry and other critical sectors, addressing a significant logistical and regulatory challenge in the domestic market.

The 300-foot barge, currently under construction in Louisiana, will be flagged and crewed by U.S. mariners under Crowley's operational management. Designed to Nexans' exacting specifications, the vessel is slated for testing in the Gulf of Mexico. Its technical specifications include a 3,500-tonne cable carousel, with an upgrade option to 7,000 tonnes via a dual-carousel setup. The barge will integrate advanced features such as vertical injectors, a dynamic positioning (DP) system, and a multiple-anchor positioning system, ensuring precise cable installation in complex coastal and nearshore environments.

Initially designated to support cable burial operations for Equinor's Empire Wind project offshore New York, the barge's design emphasizes versatility. It will be capable of both laying and repairing subsea cables utilizing various burial tools, including vertical injectors, jet sleds, or jetting remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). This adaptability extends its utility beyond offshore wind, positioning it to serve the subsea cable needs of telecommunications and other heavy industries.

Pascal Radue, Executive Vice President of Nexans’ PWR-Transmission Business Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the new asset, stating, “This barge will support our existing fleet of cable laying vessels, the Nexans CLV Aurora, Nexans C/S Skagerrak, and Nexans CLV Electra, and we are pleased to be working with Crowley on developing the capability to lay nearshore subsea cable in the U.S.” Graham Tyson, Vice President of Operations, Crowley Wind Services, added, “The cable lay barge will provide a productive supply chain solution for offshore energy, telecommunications and other sectors. Coupled with our U.S. maritime fleet and mariners providing feedering services and other logistics and project management capabilities, we could not be better equipped to serve the needs of industries seeking subsea cable solutions.”

The project has garnered strong support from maritime labor unions, underscoring its potential to create significant employment opportunities for American mariners. Willie Barrere, American Maritime Officers National President, highlighted the union's commitment, stating, “AMO is proud to be the leading source for United States Coast Guard licensed officers in the wind farm space. Our long-lasting partnership with Crowley, and our new relationship with Nexans, will help to provide clean, affordable and sustainable energy to millions of Americans and will open the door to future offshore projects.” Seafarers International Union President David Heindel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the vessel's role in boosting American shipboard manpower and reinforcing the critical importance of the Jones Act.

This domestic investment follows Nexans' recent success in securing a framework agreement valued at over EUR 1 billion with Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE) in March, for the design, manufacturing, and supply of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables for offshore wind farms in France. The U.S. barge initiative further solidifies Nexans' position as a key enabler of global offshore wind development, now with a dedicated, compliant asset for the rapidly expanding American market.