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 Leon Thevenin, 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.
