Prysmian cable layer newbuilding project progresses

Prysmian Group anticipates this new strategic asset will consolidate the Group’s leadership in the submarine cables and systems business. The group features three of the world’s most advanced cable-laying vessels in its existing fleet — Giulio Verne, Cable Enterprise and Ulisse — and the widest range of burial equipment.

The DP3 cable-laying vessel is scheduled to be delivered from Vard in time for the vessel to enter service by Q2 2021. Prysmian is investing over €170 million in the newbuilding project, which will reinforce Prysmian’s project execution capability and its one-stop-shop solution provider approach.

The vessel will boast the highest cable laying capacity in the market thanks to two carousels with a capacity of 7,000t and 10,000t respectively, feeding two independent laying lines. The enabling a reduced transportation time from the factory to the site, thus improving overall project efficiency.

The vessel also offers deep water installation capabilities for depths of more than 3,000 metres.

The vessel is approximately 170 metres long, with a beam of 34 metres. The vessel’s propulsion and energy package could not be confirmed.

“The acquisition of €700 million Viking Link contract confirms Prysmian’s undisputed market leadership and allows us to pursue opportunities in the submarine cable market, in particular in offshore wind farm sector. Leonardo da Vinci will be the most advanced cable layer in the market and it will dramatically improve the Group’s project execution capabilities and ability to support our customers, TSOs and Utilities, in matching the increasing need for upgrading power grids to support the energy transition,” stated Hakan Ozmen, EVP Projects, Prysmian Group.

The vessel is earmarked for operation on the Viking Link HVDC interconnector project, which will link the UK and Denmark. The 776-mile long submarine interconnector is expected to be the world’s longest when it opens in 2023.