ATE Energy Launches New Cable-Laying Vessel in Taiwan

ATE Energy International, a Taiwanese offshore engineering company, has commenced operations with its new cable-laying vessel, Oceanus 1. The Taiwan-flagged DPS-2 vessel arrived in Kaohsiung on 16 September, following its handover from Vietnam's Pacific Shipbuilding.

Singapore-based Synergy Marine Group is responsible for the technical and crew management of the Oceanus 1. The vessel is designed for cable installation and burial, equipped with an 8,000-tonne cable carousel, a 250-tonne hydraulic A-frame, and a 40-tonne service crane. Its capabilities include jet-plough functionality for simultaneous cable installation and burial.

Vessel Specifications and Support

Supporting subsea operations, the Oceanus 1 features an SMD Quasar III work-class Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for subsea survey and touchdown monitoring. The vessel has accommodation capacity for up to 77 crew and project personnel. ATE Energy's submarine cables division will oversee the deployment and cable-lay operations.

Mermaid Subsea Services Thailand is also slated to provide project management support for future cable campaigns, contingent on securing relevant offshore projects and contracts. Splash 247 reported that no initial vessel assignment had been disclosed at the time of the announcement.

Expanding Taiwanese Offshore Fleet

The introduction of Oceanus 1 contributes to Taiwan's expanding offshore construction fleet. Dong Fang Offshore is also developing its cable-laying capabilities, with another large cable-laying vessel expected in the first quarter of 2027. This expansion follows Dong Fang Offshore's move to replace capacity that is currently under a long-term DeepOcean charter in Europe, according to Splash 247.