Greek offshore contractor Asso.subsea has signed a contract with China Merchants Heavy Industry’s Shenzhen yard for the construction of a new trenching support vessel (TSV) named Avra. Scheduled for delivery at the end of 2027, Avra is set to become the most powerful purpose-built TSV to date, boasting 24 MW of installed hybrid power and over 180 tonnes of bollard pull. Designed for trenching operations in the floating wind and subsea cable markets, the vessel will also be equipped for cable laying and repair work. Features include the ability to operate two trenching vehicles simultaneously, a 4,000-tonne underdeck cable carousel, twin working decks, a 150-tonne offshore crane, and dual A-frames. The design is methanol- and biofuel-ready, with battery hybrid systems and cold-ironing to reduce emissions. The order follows Asso.subsea's recent investment in the cable layer Althea, also set for delivery in 2027. Executive Director Ioannis Togias described the contract as a strategic milestone aimed at enhancing efficiency and project execution for clients.