Prysmian Group presents the most advanced cable laying vessel "Leonardo da Vinci"

The new ship will reinforce the fleet by 2Q 2021.

Because the cable industry is always on the move, Prysmian Group is always on the move with it. The submarine cable market is projected to reach USD 26.16 billion by 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just over 12%. As a world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems sector with decades of experience, Prysmian is constantly innovating to anticipate the needs of this fast expanding market.

The Group is especially active in the field of new installation solutions across the globe and its knowledge of submarine cable laying is second to none. With three of the most specialized cable-laying vessels already in operation (Giulio Verne, Cable Enterprise and Ulisse). Prysmian now has a fourth vessel in build, Leonardo da Vinci, that will reinforce the fleet by 2Q 2021.

“Leonardo da Vinci will be the most efficient cable layer in the world and will support the Group’s long-term growth in the submarine cable installation business, strengthening our leadership in the interconnection and offshore wind farm markets.”

Hakan Ozmen

EVP Projects BU

THE MOST ADVANCED CABLE LAYING IN THE MARKET

With basic design phase complete, steel cutting and preliminary works under way and the keel laying kicked off in September 2019, the 171-metres vessel with a 34-metres beam represents an overall investment of more than €170 million and is being built by Vard Norway SA, part of Fincantieri Group.

“This new strategic asset will consolidate the Group’s leadership and boost the capability of our submarine cable operations”

Hakan Ozmen, EVP Project BU, Prysmian Group.

The ship’s cable handling and installation equipment have been entirely developed and designed by Prysmian to boost its capacity of submarine cable installation. Indeed, it will be possible to achieve higher precision operations and to allow more cables to be transported thanks to the largest cable loading capability. Once completed, the new vessel will be the most advanced cable laying vessel thanks to a series of cutting-edge features:

2 rotating platforms of 7,000 and 10,000 tons to ensure the highest carousel capacity in the market. The vessel is equipped to carry out the deepest power cable installations of up to 3,000 metres also thanks to the new generation cable technology armoured with composite material, based on aramid fibers.
The capstan capacity of up to 100 tons is double the industry average.
Bollard pull of about 200 tons, more than double that of the Giulio Verne, it has the highest pulling/towing capacity in its class.
DP3 system. The vessel will be classified for improved redundancy of power generation and control systems for back-up dynamic positioning.
Hybrid propulsion with 6 generators and 2 Energy Storage Systems (750 kW each) for a total of 21 MW. The battery packs accumulate ‘peak shaving’ when energy demands are high, allowing the vessel to a limited use of generators in specific operative conditions, thus resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Designed with an operational autonomy of 90 days and a transit speed above 14 knots that can lead to a reduced transportation time from the factory to the site, improving overall project efficiency.
Two enclosed hangars for Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
A helideck certified for take-off and landing of Sikorsky S92 type (18 passengers) and AW 101.

Crew comfort and safety are other further high priorities and the onboard accommodation for 120 people is designed to offer ample working spaces and recreational areas, including a fully equipped gym, auditorium, games room, dayroom and officers’ lounge.

A STRATEGIC ASSET

“Consistent with Prysmian Group’s identity, Leonardo da Vinci is innovative and avant-garde in every bit. With a range of Prysmian’s high–tech installation and burial equipment, such as the Hydroplow, Heavy Duty Plough, Sea Mole and Otter, this new strategic asset will consolidate the Group’s leadership and boost the capability of our submarine cable operations by insourcing installation activities while achieving on-time delivery and execution”

concludes Hakan Ozmen.

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Prysmian Group presents the most advanced cable laying vessel "Leonardo da Vinci"