NTT Launches New Submarine Cable-Laying Ship

NTT officially launched the "Kizuna", new submarine cable-laying vessel, from the Kanrei shipyard in Tokushima, Japan.

The 8,500 ton ship, which measures 109 meters in length and 20 meters in width, and which will have a planned average cruising speed of 13 knots and a capacity of up to 60 crew, will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2016.

Kizuna will be owned by NTT FINANCE and leased to NTT World Engineering Marine Corporation (NTTWEM). The ship is configured with its main working space in the stern. Its design incorporates azimuth propellers, an electric propulsion system and a dynamic positioning system. These allow it to navigate quickly to selected locations and once in position, to withstand wind velocities of up to 14 meters per second, wave heights of up to 3 meters and ocean currents of up to 3 knots.

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