Orange Marine to Modernise Cable Ship Fleet for Europe, MEA
By Manny Pham, Developing Telecoms
November 4, 2025
Orange submarine cable subsidiary Orange Marine announced the construction of two new cable ships to boost the resilience of digital infrastructure across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Once completed, Orange claimed it will operate one of the world’s most advanced maintenance fleets, with four ships covering the Atlantic, North Sea, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Red Sea. Orange Marine and its Italian subsidiary Elettra TLC also operate two cable-laying vessels and one survey ship.
Built by Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard, the new vessels will replace the Leon Thevenin (1983) and Antonio Meucci (1987). Delivery is expected in 2028 and 2029.
The ships will feature hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, battery storage, and shore power connections to cut CO₂ emissions by 20%. Each will carry a remotely operated vehicle designed by Orange Marine for cable inspection and repair.
“These investments strengthen our ability to secure global connectivity and reflect confidence in Orange Marine’s expertise,” said Michael Trabbia, Orange CEO of Wholesale.
Didier Dillard, Orange President of Marine and Elettra TLC, added: “The aging of cable ships is a concern across the industry. These new vessels will give us the most modern, environmentally efficient fleet in the world.”
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