Jan De Nul Expands Methanol-Ready Trenching Fleet | Mariner News
Jan De Nul has ordered a new trenching support vessel, further expanding its specialized fleet for subsea cable installation and protection while incorporating future-proof methanol propulsion readiness. The order, announced Monday, September 21, 2026, marks a significant commitment to growing capacity in a critical offshore market segment.
This latest vessel will be a sister ship to the Isambard K. Brunel, which the offshore contractor ordered in March for similar subsea cable burial work. Both vessels are designed with advanced subsea trenchers capable of burying cables up to five metres deep into the seabed, providing robust protection for vital infrastructure.
The new vessel will feature Jan De Nul’s ultra-low-emission vessel technology, with its engines specifically prepared for future conversion to methanol operation. This strategic decision aligns the company’s fleet expansion with evolving environmental regulations and client demands for sustainable offshore solutions.
This order brings Jan De Nul’s fleet development program for subsea cable installation and protection to a total of five new vessels under construction. The company is also converting the Henry Darcy from a water injection dredger into a compact trenching support vessel for shallow-water cable burial, further diversifying its operational capabilities in the sector. The cumulative investment underscores Jan De Nul’s aggressive positioning in the competitive and growing market for offshore cable laying and protection.
