Belgian offshore contractor Jan De Nul has floated out its second methanol-capable cable-laying vessel, the William Thomson, marking a significant milestone as the ship moves into its closing stages of construction — according to Ship & Bunker.
Record-Breaking Sister Ships
As reported by Ship & Bunker, Jan De Nul announced the development via a LinkedIn post, describing the William Thomson as an identical sister vessel to the Fleeming Jenkin. When both ships enter service, the company claims they will rank as the world’s two largest vessels designed for the installation of subsea power cables.
“Together with her identical sister vessel, Fleeming Jenkin, the William Thomson is now afloat and entering the final phase of construction,” Jan De Nul stated in the post, as cited by Ship & Bunker.
Offshore Renewable Energy in Focus
The Fleeming Jenkin, the first of the pair, is scheduled for delivery this year and will be deployed on subsea power cable installation projects tied to offshore renewable energy developments, Ship & Bunker reports. The William Thomson is expected to follow on a similar operational path once construction is finalised.
The dual-vessel programme underscores Jan De Nul’s push into the growing offshore energy infrastructure market, where demand for specialised cable-laying capacity continues to climb.
Methanol Demand Implications
The launch of the William Thomson also highlights a broader industry challenge. As Ship & Bunker notes, the rising number of methanol-powered vessels entering the global fleet puts increasing pressure on ports to expand green methanol availability to keep pace with demand.
For the bunkering sector, the commissioning of ships like the William Thomson and the Fleeming Jenkin represents both an opportunity and an operational imperative — one that will require coordinated investment in methanol supply chains at key refuelling hubs.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
