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Recently, the company Jan De Nul announced the name of its new excavation support vessel, the Isambard K. Brunel. This name pays tribute to one of the most brilliant minds of the Industrial Revolution, whose audacity in solving complex problems seems to be the DNA the company wishes to imprint on its current operations.
The technology of the Isambard K. Brunel vessel
The need to achieve energy independence in today’s world requires a robust and efficient infrastructure. The new vessel features a design by the firm Ulstein and is being manufactured at the CMHI shipyard facilities in China. This unit will join the company’s subsea cable installation efforts, reinforcing a fleet preparing for the most demanding challenges of the offshore sector.
In terms of technical specifications, the Isambard K. Brunel stands out for integrating ULEv (Ultra-Low Emission vessel) technology. This system allows for the filtration of exhaust gases and the retention of almost all polluting nanoparticles.
It is a clear statement of intent regarding the direction of the maritime industry. Furthermore, the versatility of its engines is a significant advantage, as they are designed to operate on biofuel and have the technical capacity to adapt to the use of methanol in the near future.
On the other hand, the choice of name is particularly appropriate due to the historical connection. Isambard K. Brunel designed the SS Great Eastern, a ship that in its day served to lay transatlantic telegraph cables.
Jan De Nul is in the final construction phase of two XL cable-laying vessels named in honor of engineers who worked on that legendary ship. This consistency between tradition and cutting-edge technology places the company in a privileged position within the global energy market.
Source and photo: Jan De Nul