APPLICATIONS A Cable-Laying Vessel, often referred to as a cable layer, is a purpose-built maritime vessel designed for the installation of submarine cables, whether for telecommunications, electric power transmission, or a range of other applications. H&P reports. The latest generations of cable layers combine both laying and repair capabilities, enabling them not only to deploy but also to retrieve and repair damaged sub-sea cables while at sea. Tailoring their operations to factors such as water depth and the risk of potential damage, cable layers employ specialised ploughs to securely bury subsea cables within the seabed. A sophisticated positioning system ensures the vessel maintains an exact location above the designated cable route, enabling highly accurate deployment even in challenging weather conditions. This precision provides optimal protection for all cable-handling processes. The cable itself is generally stored in a spiral arrangement within a cable carousel - a horizontally rotating table from which it is released in accordance with the speed of the laying operation. State-of-the-art vessels now boast the capability to stow and deploy substantial cable loads in excess of 10,000 tonnes. Modern cable layers demonstrate exceptional versatility, capable not only of laying single lines of submarine communication cable but also of installing two or three additional lines. They are also able to lay cables to depths of up to 3000 metres, either by using a capstan - a large winch around which multiple coils of cable are wrapped – or by employing one or more tensioners arranged in a cascade configuration. Many are additionally equipped with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), further enhancing operational flexibility. The field of marine hydraulic engineering has seen significant advances, particularly in the construction and operation of modern cable-laying ships. Electrohydraulic solutions Electrohydraulic systems have emerged as a transformative technology within cablelaying operations, redefining how modern vessels undertake this critical work. By integrating the strengths of both electronics and hydraulics, these systems deliver optimal control and adaptability during cable installation. They are engineered to manage the inherent complexities of the process - ensuring precise tensioning, bending, and positioning of cables. Their introduction has markedly increased both the speed and accuracy of operations, reducing downtime and maximising productivity. Advanced automation and monitoring features allow for real-time data analysis, underpinning the safety and reliability of the cable-laying process. In essence, electrohydraulic systems have become indispensable within the industry, enabling the efficient and effective installation of cables aboard modern ships. 28 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk Empowering marine hydraulic engineering for cable-laying ships Cable-laying vessels are purpose-built for installing submarine cables for telecommunications, electric power transmission, and other applications. Operating in demanding marine environments, they combine laying and repair capabilities with precision positioning. Advances in electrohydraulic systems improve control, safety, and efficiency, supporting reliable cable deployment and maintenance in offshore operations. H&P reports. Precision control Atos has developed electrohydraulic systems specifically for cable-laying vessels, designed to perform reliably in the challenging marine environment. Its systems are used in key cable-handling equipment and are engineered for both operational efficiency and precise control. The company’s electrohydraulic systems for cable-laying equipment are designed to provide precise force control and consistent operational performance. Used in capstans, pick-up arms, tensioners, and carousel systems, they support efficient cable handling and help reduce the likelihood of equipment-related interruptions. Digital driver technology allows operators to set hydraulic force parameters for tensioners, log alarms, and collect operational data via an integrated oscilloscope. These functions can be accessed remotely, enabling commissioning and adjustments without requiring continuous on-site intervention. According to the company, its technicians have tuned and remotely started tensioner systems, a key component of a cable layer, reducing commissioning times and associated costs. For further information please visit: https://www.atos.com
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