Orange Marine Builds New Cable Ships to Secure Global Connectivity
The move underscores Orange Marine’s strategic role in maintaining and protecting the vital subsea networks that connect Europe, Africa, and the Middle East — regions that form the backbone of international data exchange and communications.
Orange Marine, a subsidiary of the Orange Group specializing in subsea cable operations, has announced the construction of two new state-of-the-art cable ships as part of a major fleet modernization initiative aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of global digital infrastructures. The move underscores Orange Marine’s strategic role in maintaining and protecting the vital subsea networks that connect Europe, Africa, and the Middle East — regions that form the backbone of international data exchange and communications.
With this significant investment, the Orange Group will operate one of the most advanced and modern maintenance fleets in the world, capable of intervening across key maritime regions including the Atlantic, English Channel, Mediterranean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and North Sea. The initiative reflects the company’s long-term vision to enhance global network resilience while adopting sustainable technologies that reduce its environmental footprint.
The two new vessels will replace the Léon Thévenin, commissioned in 1983, and the Antonio Meucci, built in 1987. Both new ships will be constructed by Colombo Dockyard PLC in Sri Lanka — the same shipyard that delivered the Sophie Germain in 2023. This continuity of partnership ensures the use of proven shipbuilding expertise combined with innovative design tailored to meet the operational demands of modern subsea infrastructure maintenance.
In line with Orange’s environmental commitments, the new ships will integrate the latest technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions by 20 percent. Key design features include an optimized hull for improved hydrodynamic performance, a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system for greater energy efficiency, Azipod propellers to improve maneuverability and reliability, and shore power connection capability to cut emissions while docked. Together, these innovations position Orange Marine’s new vessels among the most environmentally advanced in the global cable maintenance fleet. Each vessel will also be equipped with an Orange Marine–designed remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of cutting, inspecting, and burying subsea cables. These systems enhance the precision, safety, and speed of maintenance operations, ensuring minimal service disruption for customers around the world.
“These new vessels will allow Orange Marine and Elettra Tlc to operate the most modern cable ship fleet in the world, serving all our customers across the globe with an optimized environmental footprint.”
– Didier Dillard, President, Orange Marine and Elettra Tlc
By renewing and modernizing its fleet, Orange Marine reinforces its leadership in the subsea cable industry and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence. The modernization program not only enhances the company’s operational efficiency but also supports global digital resilience and contributes to the reduction of the telecommunications industry’s environmental impact.
