Superliner builder orders 3000km of cable

Nexans has won a contract from Chantiers de l'Atlantique for the supply and installation of over 3000km of halogen free, flame retardant and/or fire resistant cables.

Nexans has won a contract from Chantiers de l'Atlantique (Atlantic Shipyards), for the supply and installation of over 3000km of halogen free, flame retardant and/or fire resistant cables in what will be the largest ocean-going liner in the world, the Queen Mary 2, built for "armement Cunard" (Carnival's group).

These cables will ensure the distribution of electricity, transmission of data, remote monitoring, and all the central functions of the liner.

With the virtual design hardly off the 3D screens of Chantiers de l'Atlantique's engineering offices, the largest liner in the world is already under construction in Saint-Nazaire.

The Queen Mary 2, whose launching is scheduled for 2004, will measure 345m from bow to stern, 41m in width and 72m in height (equivalent to a 25-storey building), and will have a capacity of up to 3090 passengers.

"The cables supplied by Nexans for the Queen Mary 2 comply with the most stringent fire safety standards.

All the cables supplied by Nexans are flame retardant and/or fire resistant.

In the event of fire, the fire resistant cables continue to supply the equipment necessary for the operation of the safety systems, such as lighting, fire alarms, control of smoke extractors, and operation of the fire doors.

The flame retardant cables prevent the fire propagation between the different parts of a boat, with low non toxic gas emission, thus permitting the evacuation process to continue", stated Michel Mayoud, Managing Director of Nexans' Industrial Applications activities.

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