Milan-based cabling giant Prysmian is expanding its fleet of installation vessels with two units worth around €350m ($385m).
The first cable layer will be built by Fincantieri-controlled Norwegian shipbuilder Vard and enter service by the beginning of 2027. It will be an evolution of the Monna Lisa class vessel, with a length of about 185 m and equipped with three carousels for a total capacity of 19,000 tonnes.
The other vessel will be approximately 167 m long and equipped with two carousels for a total cable loading capacity of 10,000 tonnes. It will be able to meet operating requirements specialised in shallow-water cable laying and burial installation and be operational by the first half of 2025.
Once delivered, the vessels will take Prysmian’s fleet to eight cable layers, including the Monna Lisa under construction at Vard.
“The market is tremendously growing, and we are facing an increasing demand for submarine cable systems for interconnections and offshore wind farm projects both in Europe and in the US,” stated Hakan Ozmen, executive vice president of projects at Prysmian, adding: “With this investment, we confirm Prysmian’s undisputed key role in the submarine cable business and its proven capability to act as a truly reliable and dedicated leader in the execution of turn-key complex projects, supporting the Group’s long-term growth perspectives.”
