Vard of Norway has secured a new contract, worth about €230m, for the design and construction of another cable laying vessel for Prysmian Group of Italy, the third Prysmian cable layer contracted with Vard.
The new vessel will be an evolution, based on knowledge and experience from the two previous Prysmian orders. One – named Monna Lisa – is still under construction and the first vessel, Leonardo da Vinci, was delivered from Vard to Prysmian in 2021. Prysmian is securing yet another contract because of the fruitful relationship based on the quality and performance of the existing ship.
Hakan Ozmen, EVP Project BU, Prysmian Group, said: “As global leader in submarine cable business we are fully committed to support the development of greener and smarter power grids, enabling the energy transition. We are delighted to work once again with Vard and Fincantieri – leaders in the design and construction of state-of-the-art vessels for the offshore market – to strengthen even more our installation capabilities.”
The new vessel is of Vard 9 18 design, tailored for advanced subsea operations. With a length of approximately 185m and a breadth of about 34m, the vessel will be equipped with advanced cable installation solutions, such as three carousels for a total capacity of 19,000t, positioning itself among the highest cable loading capacity vessels in the market and enabling reduced transportation time from the factory to the site for overall improved project efficiency.
A bollard pull in excess of 180t will allow the vessel to perform complex installation operations of simultaneous cable lay and burial (up to four cables) with a variety of ploughs. The vessel will be equipped with DP3 positioning and seakeeping systems and is scheduled to be operational by beginning of 2027.
Christian Utvik, Vard SVP Sales and Marketing, said: “Vard’s size and speed, technology and our integrated global value chain, and close customer partnerships – like the one we have with Prysmian Group, gives both Vard and Prysmian significant competitive advantages through the delivery of the most advanced ships. We are happy to welcome Prysmian back to Vard for the design and build of yet another state-of-the-art vessel.”
The cable layer is developed to perform complex installation operations, coupled with a reduced environmental footprint. The hull will be built at Vard Shipyards Romania, while the final outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be carried out by one of Vard’s shipyards in Norway. System integrator Vard Electro will deliver a complete SeaQ electrical systems package from product engineering through installation, integration, and commissioning, with a focus on optimising system stability and efficiency. The SeaQ package includes a full power and propulsion system including an energy storage system by batteries. The SeaQ ESS will provide hybrid operations at sea resulting in more energy-efficient operations for reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption.
Vard Group CEO Alberto Maestrini said: “We are partnering with Prysmian once again to develop and put to work new marine business opportunities. Through this joint collaborative approach with customers, we explore and design new advanced vessels and solutions developing the business cases that make them good investments and enabling sustainable opportunities at sea. We are looking forward to once again having a good collaboration with Prysmian.”
