WCA MAY 2015

news Industry

New launch for E-marine

E-MARINE, a provider of submarine cable installation and repair solutions in the Middle East and sub-continent region, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its fleet of cable ships in 2015, with the first ship, the CS Maram , beginning dock trials ahead of its maiden voyage this year. The CS Maram , which was built in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has been designed to manage the installation and maintenance of all types of submarine cables, including fibre optic telecommunications cables and energy cables. The ship is expected to successfully complete dock trials and be ready for launch within the coming months. E-marine’s planned fleet expansion will see the addition of further multi-purpose vessels in the coming years, boosting its coverage across the region, with a particular focus on East Africa and the wider region. The expansion will help strengthen the firm’s presence in the high-growth subsea cable market and undertake activities to stem demand from telecoms and energy sectors. Omar Jassim Bin Kalban, managing director and chief executive officer, said: “Our commitment to increasing market share in the region will see a significant expansion to our fleet. By

increasing our number of vessels, we are positioning E-marine to provide a faster, wider and far reaching service to cable owners through reduced transit times and closer proximity to cable systems. “This investment in our fleet signifies a renewed confidence and optimism in the region’s digital future, and will support the roll-out and maintenance of submarine cables. The CS Maram is a state-of-the-art cable ship that will provide our customers with the latest subsea cabling technology.” The fully loaded maintenance and installation vessel will incorporate a submarine robot or ROV (remotely ❍ The CS Maram during dock trials in Abu Dhabi

operated vehicle) that will enable the vessel to undertake pre-inspections and surveys of the seabed and cut trenches to bury the cable. Once the CS Maram is fully operational, it will generate direct employment opportunities in the region. The company already has a highly skilled and diverse workforce of more than 20 nationalities, and will be seeking an international crew of captains, seamen and technicians for the new ship from across the region to take up positions on board the vessel. E-marine – UAE Website : www.emarine.ae

Private equity firm Actis, and Mainstream Renewable Power, have launched a pan-African renewable energy generation platform, Lekela Power. By 2018 Lekela Power will provide between 700MW and 900MW of wind and solar power across Africa. Mainstream and Actis have two previous partnerships, in South Africa and Chile. Lekela Power will operate in a similar fashion to the existing partnerships, with Mainstream taking responsibility for project management and plant operation and maintenance. Mainstream has announced the start of construction for three wind farms in South Africa to form the core of the Lekela platform. The projects, with a combined capacity of 360MW, are located in the country’s Northern Cape and were awarded to Mainstream as part of the government’s renewable energy procurement programme. They are expected to reach commercial operation beginning Addressing the power balance in Africa

in 2016. Mainstream also has a pipeline of other projects across Africa, including the 225MW Ayitepa wind project in Ghana, which will transfer to the Lekela platform at financial close. Commenting on Lekela, Lucy Heintz, a partner, and head of renewable energy at Actis, said: “With soaring demand and funding constraints, Africa’s need for renewable energy is pressing. “In South Africa, for example, currently 95 per cent of the country’s electricity is generated by coal-fired power stations. “While the region has significant natural and fossil fuel resources, a lack of long-term investment has led to a reliance on emergency and short-term diesel generation.” Actis – UK Website : www.act.is Mainstream Renewable Power – Ireland Website : www.mainstreamrp.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – May/June 2015