the world''.

The 15,000-ton Cable Innovator is a fully stern-working cable laying ship which will be able to travel faster to a site because it will not be slowed down by conventional bow sheaves.

The 142-metre ship, which made its first port of call in the UK, will begin a complex installation programme of some 300 days in the Far East and Australia.

According to Cable & Wireless, the Cable Innovator will be able to operate in weather that traditionally cable ships could not withstand.

"As the worldwide demand for cable capacity increases, so does the customer's need for greater efficiencies in cable management,'' Cable & Wireless Marine chairman Mr. Edward Astle said.

"When we started thinking about designing a new ship, we went out and talked to customers about what they wanted. Cable Innovator is the result, offering world class service and competitive edge.'' Cable Innovator .