Far East Cable expands fleet to capture offshore wind growth
Far East Cable has begun building a high-capacity cable-laying vessel, a strategic move to vertically integrate its operations and capitalize on China's expanding offshore wind market.
Far East Cable, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Far East Smart Energy, has started construction of a large-capacity cable-laying vessel at ZPMC’s Shanghai shipyard. The newbuild marks a significant operational shift for the manufacturer, moving it from pure cable production into integrated subsea installation services.
The 148-meter vessel, with a 38-meter beam, is engineered for unrestricted ocean navigation and will accommodate up to 100 personnel. It will be equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system and a concentric dual-outlet rotating cable carousel. With a maximum operating water depth of 150 meters, the ship will boast one of the largest cable-carrying capacities in the Chinese fleet.
This asset expansion is a direct response to the increasing scale and complexity of China’s offshore energy infrastructure. By operating its own installation vessel, Far East Cable can vertically integrate its supply chain. This reduces scheduling risks associated with relying on third-party contractors and allows the company to capture a larger share of project economics.
The strategic timing aligns with Far East Cable's recent contract wins in the renewables sector. The manufacturer is currently supplying 66 kV high-voltage torsion-resistant flexible cables to China Three Gorges’ 800 MW Jiangsu Dafeng project. Located far from the coast, it is China’s most distant offshore wind farm to date, requiring robust logistics and advanced installation capabilities.
The company is also positioning itself for the emerging deep-water market. Far East Cable won the bid to supply products and construction services for the 1 GW Hainan Wanning project. As China’s first large-scale deep-sea floating wind development, the project relies on specialized 66 kV dynamic subsea cables that demand high-specification installation vessels.
Beyond renewable energy, the vessel’s design ensures revenue diversification. It will be capable of installing and repairing long-distance submarine fibre-optic cables, providing access to the subsea telecommunications sector. For investors in parent Far East Holding Group, the vessel represents a capital expenditure aimed at securing long-term market share in China's deep-sea economy.
