World’s Largest JDN 28,000T Cable-Laying Vessel “Fleeming Jenkin” Sets Sail for Sea Trials from CMHI Haimen Base

On August 20, 2026, the world’s largest 28,000T deep-sea cable-laying vessel Fleeming Jenkin, custom-built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. for Belgium’s Jan De Nul (JDN) Group, officially commenced its sea trials. The sea trial marks a critical milestone in the final construction and delivery stage of this world-class offshore asset. Pending satisfactory results from all trial assessments, the vessel is scheduled for official delivery by late October 2026, poised to significantly advance the development of global deep-sea renewable energy infrastructure.

As a flagship cable-laying vessel in Jan De Nul’s fleet, the Fleeming Jenkin features original design by JDN’s Belgian engineering team and turnkey construction by CMHI Haimen Base, embodying a landmark Sino-Belgian collaboration in high-end offshore equipment manufacturing. Measuring 215 meters in length and equipped with a 28,000-ton cable holding capacity, the vessel integrates state-of-the-art deep-sea cable laying technologies, delivering exceptional performance in operational efficiency, harsh sea state adaptability and eco-friendly energy efficiency. It sets a new industry benchmark for global cable-laying vessels. Upon operational handover, the vessel will address key equipment shortages in deep-sea new energy construction, facilitate the upgrade of offshore wind facilities, subsea power networks and marine infrastructure, and further demonstrate the advanced technical capabilities and international stature of China’s shipbuilding industry.

After the vessel returns to the shipyard, the professional team from Nantong HaiJing Ship Decoration Co., Ltd will conduct comprehensive, high-standard finishing works to guarantee on-time, premium delivery. Throughout the full construction phase of the Fleeming Jenkin, Nantong HaiJing has provided end-to-end professional support. The company undertook core supporting works covering high-end cabin interior design, modular installation and functional system optimization. Leveraging its mature offshore interior engineering technology system and strict quality control protocols, Nantong HaiJing has completed the full-range interior supporting works for the vessel. The tailor-made marine cabins deliver outstanding safety, comfort and operational functionality, strongly underpinning the project’s overall quality and construction timeline.

Nantong HaiJing has long specialized in high-end offshore supporting services, focusing on customized interior engineering for special offshore vessels and high-end marine engineering platforms. Committed to technological upgrading and craftsmanship refinement, the company supports the localized manufacturing and global market expansion of high-end offshore equipment with reliable, high-quality workmanship. It continues to deliver solid industrial support for the high-quality, sustainable development of China’s shipbuilding and offshore engineering sector.