Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) has signed a shipbuilding contract with Norwegian shipyard Westcon for the delivery of a new subsea and cable-laying vessel (CLV). The decision comes in response to growing installation demand in Taiwan, particularly as one of DFO’s existing vessels will be committed to European operations until the end of 2028.
Under the agreement, Westcon Yard will take over and complete the construction of a large CLV currently in progress, with delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
DFO noted that the new vessel order compensates for the loss of cable installation capacity in Taiwan following DeepOcean’s exercise of the 2028 option for the Orient Adventurer, which now remains deployed in Europe until at least 2028, with potential extensions to 2031.
“The decision for this new CLV is driven by the successful extension of the Orient Adventurer’s contract. A replacement vessel is required to deliver subsea cable projects that DFO has already secured for 2028 in the APAC region,” said DFO’s CEO.
He added that the vessel’s delivery timeline, strong contract backlog, competitive build cost, and alignment with future business growth make this investment a strategic step forward. “This addition will bring much-needed capacity to support our customers’ offshore energy ambitions and secures DFO’s long-term future as a leading APAC-based contractor.”
With this acquisition, DFO’s operated fleet will grow to include:
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Two large CLVs,
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Two construction support vessels (CSVs) with cable repair capability,
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Three service operation vessels (SOVs),
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One DP1 survey vessel,
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Two anchor-handling tugs,
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Seven crew transport vessels (CTVs),
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One cargo barge, and
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One newly acquired DP2 multicat.
Additionally, Norwegian shipbuilder VARD is currently constructing another offshore subsea construction vessel for DFO, with the keel-laying ceremony held in late November.