Jan De Nul is expanding its fleet with the George W. Goethals, a subsea protection vessel that aims to strengthen the security of submarine cable power and information data flow in the world.
About the new submarine protection vessel
With thousands of kilometers of undersea cables carrying electricity and data under the oceans, the need to protect these networks is more urgent than ever. Jan De Nul addresses this challenge with a rock installation vessel with capabilities to operate at depths of up to 400 meters, ensuring greater stability and safety for subsea connections.
Designed entirely by Jan De Nul’s team, the George W. Goethals can carry up to 37,000 tons of rock through a flexible pipeline system. Such capabilities will protect sensitive stretches of electrical and data cables exposed to physical threats or acts of sabotage.
Energy regions such as the North Sea and Southeast Asia will be the core of the new vessel’s operations. These areas concentrate wind projects projects and electrical interconnections that require robust subsea protection.
The vessel is equipped with an ultra-low emission system(ULEv), complying with the strictest European standards, such as Stage V and EURO VI. In addition, it runs on biofuel and green methanol and has a hybrid system with batteries to stabilize the load and decreases CO₂ emissions during intense operations.
With four electric excavators installed, the vessel optimizes rock loading without the need for additional land infrastructure. This improves operational efficiency in remote areas and strengthens its ecological profile.
On the other hand, the George W. Goethals, Jan De Nul builds two large-capacity cable-laying vessels – the Fleeming Jenkin and the William Thomson –intended to link international power grids .
The vessel’s name honors George Washington Goethals, the engineer in charge of the construction of the Panama Canal, a project in which Jan De Nul also participated between 2009 and 2016. The company thus connects its historical experience with its current commitment to the safety of marine infrastructures.
Source and photo: Jan De Nul
