VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialised vessels, has successfully delivered IT Infinity to I.T. International Telecom Marine SRL (IT), after transforming the vessel from a platform supply vessel into a specialised cable-laying vessel.
The Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) has been converted into a state-of-the-art Cable Laying Vessel (CLV) to meet the increasing demands of the subsea telecommunications industry.
Built at Vard Brattvaag and delivered to Volstad Maritime in 2008 as the Volstad Princess, the vessel has changed ownership several times. SD Standard Drilling acquired the ship in 2017, before it was sold to IT in 2021 and renamed IT Infinity. In 2024, the vessel returned to VARD for an extensive conversion, preparing it for its new role as a highly specialised cable-laying vessel, bringing the ship a renewed purpose.
The conversion work was carried out at Vard Brattvaag in Norway, in close collaboration with a network of specialists and VARD’s trusted suppliers. This complex project highlighted the versatility and expertise of VARD’s workforce, who had to adapt to the specific challenges of retrofitting an existing vessel – a skill that requires a distinct approach compared to building new builds.
A full integrated value chain
VARD’s expertise in delivering tailor-made solutions, encompassing the entire lifecycle of a vessel from design and new builds to conversion and maintenance, was crucial to the success of this project.
The conversion work included the addition of new accommodations for 32 people and required approximately 550 tonnes of steel, all sourced and processed in Norway.
“We are very proud that IT chose VARD as its partner for this significant conversion,” said Wilhelm Eggesbø, Senior Vice President of Vard Services at VARD. “We leveraged our core competencies and extensive experience in the design and construction of advanced cable laying vessels to meet IT’s needs. This project underscores VARD’s strength in our fully integrated value chain and reinforces our strong position in the aftermarket.”
In addition to structural changes, Vard Electro played a key role in upgrading the vessel’s electrical systems. This involved the installation of new switchboards and cabling, as well as updates to the existing electrical systems. Vard Interiors contributed by delivering a new HVAC system, ensuring modern and efficient operations and further enhancing the vessel’s overall performance.
In addition to the structural conversion work undertaken by VARD, IT Infinity’s full conversion to a CLV will include the installation and integration of cable equipment such as: a 60-tonne A-frame, 20-tonne Linear Cable Engine (LCE), MD3 cable plough system, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and Fiber optic cable testing and jointing equipment.
IT International Telecom’s strategic partnership with VARD
IT International Telecom, a global leader in submarine cable installation and maintenance, expressed its satisfaction with the collaboration.
“Vessel conversion for such a specific end-use is a complex task. One requiring close collaboration, and at times some outside-the-box thinking,” said Steve Arsenault, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at IT. “VARD were with us every step of the way throughout the conversion of IT Infinity.
“The key for us was to start with a sea-worthy vessel and build on that solid foundation with the latest-generation submarine cable handling and burial equipment. That’s what we were able to achieve here, thanks entirely to the tireless efforts of the IT and VARD vessel conversion teams.
“The result is an extremely capable asset fully prepared to serve the global subsea telecommunications market, and an industry in dire need of these specialised ships.”
This project marks a milestone in IT’s ongoing mission to adapt to the ever-evolving requirements of the submarine cable industry and represents the first of many conversion projects in its strategy to meet global market demands.
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