Paris, November 3, 2025 — Orange Marine, a subsidiary of Orange Group specializing in submarine cable operations, has announced the construction of two next-generation cable ships designed to enhance the resilience and security of global undersea networks connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
With these additions, the Orange Group will possess one of the most advanced and sustainable cable maintenance fleets worldwide. Four ships will be deployed across the Atlantic, English Channel, North Sea, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea, ensuring the continuity of critical international connectivity. Orange Marine also operates two cable-laying vessels and one survey ship through its Italian subsidiary, Elettra TLC.
“This strategic investment will be key to ensuring the resilience and security of the global Internet,” said Michaël Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale. “It reflects our confidence in Orange Marine’s expertise and long-term contribution to global digital infrastructure.”
Advanced Capabilities and Sustainability Focus
The two new vessels—sister ships to the Sophie Germain launched in 2023—will handle both maintenance operations and cable laying for connecting segments up to 1,000 km. They will replace the aging Léon Thévenin (1983) and Antonio Meucci (1987), which currently serve the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean regions.
Built by Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka, known for its excellence in marine engineering, the ships are expected to be delivered in 2028 and 2029.
Each ship will feature a 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to current vessels, achieved through:
- Streamlined hull design reducing fuel consumption by 25%
- Hybrid diesel-electric propulsion with onboard energy storage
- Azipod thrusters for superior maneuverability
- Shore power connectivity to minimize emissions while docked
They will also include a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) designed by Orange Marine for cable cutting, inspection, and burial, stored in a dedicated onboard hangar.
“Fleet renewal is a critical challenge for the submarine cable industry,” said Didier Dillard, President of Orange Marine and Elettra TLC. “These new vessels will give us the world’s most modern fleet — efficient, innovative, and environmentally optimized — to serve our global customers.”
Strengthening Global Digital Resilience
Orange currently manages over 450,000 km of undersea cables connecting all continents. The modernization of Orange Marine’s fleet underscores the group’s leadership in global digital infrastructure, ensuring the security, sustainability, and reliability of vital communication links for decades to come.
