The cable laying vessel market is set to grow significantly between 2025 and 2029, fueled by increased demand for offshore wind farms and subsea telecommunications infrastructure. In 2024, the market stood at a solid base and is forecast to expand by USD 998.3 million, achieving a CAGR of 5.1% through 2029, according to the latest data.
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One of the primary drivers of growth in the cable laying vessel market is the global expansion of offshore wind capacity, which is fast becoming a cornerstone of renewable energy strategies worldwide. By 2033, offshore wind installations are projected to triple, reaching around 65 GW, with over 400 GW of new capacity expected between 2024 and 2033. Notably, Asia is poised to lead this growth, propelled by robust offshore initiatives in China and emerging regional markets. Cable laying vessels are vital to this expansion, as they facilitate the installation of underwater power cables connecting offshore turbines to the grid. These operations require high-precision engineering, remote monitoring, and specialized vessels—positioning this segment as essential to the energy transition. An industry analyst notes that “the role of cable laying vessels is becoming increasingly indispensable in enabling the infrastructure behind renewable energy growth.”
A key trend reshaping the market is the increasing deployment of hybrid cable laying vessels. These vessels integrate traditional fuel engines with advanced battery systems, offering a more sustainable alternative for complex offshore tasks. A notable example is Van Oord’s Calypso, a hybrid DP2 vessel unveiled in October 2022, featuring a shore power connection and energy management systems designed to minimize CO₂, NOₓ, and SOₓ emissions. These environmentally friendly vessels not only align with global emission regulations but also improve fuel efficiency, operational range, and installation precision. Technologies like dynamic positioning, machine learning, and real-time data analytics are being integrated to enhance navigation and subsea planning. As offshore wind and subsea telecom projects scale, hybrid vessels are expected to become the industry norm.
The Cable Laying Vessel Market plays a vital role in enabling global connectivity and supporting the expansion of subsea cables, particularly with growing applications in HVDC technology and offshore wind development. These vessels are critical for the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure as well as subsea power lines that link offshore platforms, drilling rigs, and coastal grids. The rise of hybrid vessels has further boosted operational efficiency by incorporating sustainable propulsion systems. As demand surges from sectors such as data centers and wind farms, precision route planning and advanced trenching systems ensure effective cable laying operations. Vessels also integrate satellite communication and support cutting-edge marine engineering activities. Their capabilities extend beyond commercial use, aiding in strategic national energy initiatives and connectivity expansion in marine regions.
Segmentation Categories
By Type:
Power cable
Communication cable
By End-user:
Oil and gas
Telecommunication
Offshore wind farms
Others
Among the various segments, power cable installation leads in market share and is forecast to see the most robust growth during the 2025–2029 period. In 2019, this segment was valued at USD 2,034.20 million and has continued a steady upward trend. Power cables are essential for connecting offshore wind farms, oil platforms, and energy interconnection projects to mainland power grids. The growing demand for offshore renewable energy sources is directly fueling this segment. Industry experts observe that technological advances—like AI-powered route optimization and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) deployments—have significantly enhanced power cable laying efficiency and minimized environmental impact. As one analyst puts it, “Offshore power cables are at the center of energy transmission for wind and oil sectors, and their demand reflects the broader shift to sustainable infrastructure.”
Covered Regions:
North America
Europe
APAC
Rest of World (ROW)
Europe is set to contribute approximately 46% to the global cable laying vessel market growth between 2025 and 2029. This dominance is driven by the continent’s rapid investments in offshore wind farms and telecommunications infrastructure. In October 2024, Seaway7, a subsidiary of Subsea 7, secured a major contract worth up to USD 300 million to install 192 inter-array cables—covering 500 km—for the Hornsea 3 project in the North Sea. The region’s ambitious energy transition goals and commitment to digital connectivity are encouraging high-capital marine construction initiatives. Analysts highlight that Europe's advanced regulatory frameworks, extensive seabed surveys, and project planning capabilities give it a competitive edge. Innovations such as machine learning-based navigation systems, remote vessel monitoring, and environmental impact modeling are widely adopted, enabling safer, faster, and more precise cable installation.
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Despite its growth potential, the cable laying vessel market faces a major challenge in the form of weather and environmental risks, which significantly affect operations. Harsh marine conditions, including tropical storms, high winds, and ocean currents, can delay projects, damage subsea cables, and raise operational costs. A 2023 study by researchers from the UK and the U.S. emphasized how climate change and sea-level rise increasingly threaten subsea fiber-optic cables critical to global data infrastructure. The requirement for specialized crew, high-cost equipment, and vessel maintenance further complicates project feasibility. Industry standards, along with AI and machine learning, are being deployed to mitigate these risks, but unpredictable environmental impacts remain a key barrier to operational efficiency and investment predictability.
Market research highlights the importance of evolving technologies like autonomous vehicles and underwater robotics in supporting complex projects, including power transmission from remote offshore infrastructure to the mainland. Applications stretch across broadband connectivity, ocean energy, and energy storage, particularly as nations seek to modernize their grids. The global rise in subsea contracts has driven demand for precise route surveys, especially in areas with sensitive ecosystems, making environmental impact assessments a routine part of operations. These vessels are now seen as key to enhancing energy security, and many projects are aligned with marine conservation goals. Accurate cable installation is vital in deep sea environments, which are often targeted for oceanographic research and green energy deployment. Onboard battery systems and shore supply options contribute to emission reduction, aligning vessel operations with environmental regulations.
In-depth research analysis reveals that growth in the Cable Laying Vessel Market is largely driven by increasing investment in offshore drilling, renewable energy, and global power grid expansion. Enhanced marine technology is facilitating faster deployment of submarine networks, which include both fiber optic and telecom cables. Upgrades in vessel operation capabilities and closer integration with cable manufacturing timelines have reduced project delays and operational risks. With the rising need for cable repair in aging installations and the continued demand for robust systems supporting wind energy generation, these vessels are becoming more versatile and mission-critical. They are integral to future-proofing global infrastructure, not only by enabling high-speed communication but also by reinforcing electrical networks critical to digital and energy transitions worldwide.
Leading companies in the cable laying vessel market are focusing on strategic alliances, fleet innovation, and regional expansion to strengthen their market position.
In February 2023, Boskalis launched the “Willem Adelaar,” a state-of-the-art cable laying vessel equipped with cutting-edge automation and data analysis tools, significantly expanding its subsea project capabilities.
In June 2024, Van Oord and Heerema Marine Contractors announced a strategic partnership targeting offshore wind projects, leveraging combined expertise to offer end-to-end cable installation services.
In May 2025, Saab Seaeye introduced the “CableLay 1000,” a next-gen autonomous cable laying system. The system promises to reduce fuel consumption, increase operational speed, and lower overall project costs.
In March 2025, Allseas secured a €1.5 billion contract to install the Nord Link interconnector between Denmark and Norway, showcasing the scale and complexity modern cable laying projects demand.
Additionally, companies like Fincantieri Spa, Ulstein Group ASA, Kongsberg Gruppen, and Royal IHC are investing in navigation software, vessel optimization, and AI-powered seabed imaging to meet client expectations. With emphasis on project management, deck space efficiency, and remote diagnostics, these companies are pushing technological boundaries while reducing environmental impact.
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Landscape
3. Market Sizing
4. Historic Market Size
5. Five Forces Analysis
6. Market Segmentation
6.1 Type
6.1.1 Power cable
6.1.2 Communication cable
6.2 End-User
6.2.1 Oil and gas
6.2.2 Telecommunication
6.2.3 Offshore wind farms
6.2.4 Others
6.3 Geography
6.3.1 North America
6.3.2 APAC
6.3.3 Europe
6.3.4 ROW
7. Customer Landscape
8. Geographic Landscape
9. Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
10. Company Landscape
11. Company Analysis
12. Appendix
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