Global energy and telecoms cable systems group Prysmian is moving forward with the construction of its new cable-laying vessel, the Leonardo da Vinci.

Expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2021, the €170-million new ship will bolster the group’s project execution capability as its most advanced cable-laying vessel.

With three advanced cable-laying vessels in its existing fleet, namely the Giulio Verne, the Cable Enterprise and the Ulisse, and the widest range of burial equipment, this new strategic asset will consolidate the group’s leadership in the submarine cables and systems business, says Prysmian Group projects executive VP Hakan Ozmen.

The ship’s cable-handling and installation equipment have been entirely developed and designed by Prysmian to boost its capacity for submarine cable installation.

The basic design phase has been substantially completed, detail engineering is well in progress, steel cutting started in May and keel laying work kicked off earlier this month.

The ship is 170 m long and about 34 m wide and has deep-water installation capabilities for depths of more than 3 000 m.

The Leonardo da Vinci can move at transit speeds above 14 knots, which can improve operational efficiency by reducing the transport time from the factory to the site.

Designed with an operational autonomy of 90 days, the vessel also features two carousels of 7 000 t and 10 000 t, which ensure the highest carousel capacity in the market.

“It will be possible to achieve higher precision operations and to allow more cables to be transported, thanks to the largest cable-loading capability,” says Ozmen.

The ship has a bollard pull of about 200 t, more than double that of the Giulio Verne, and a capstan capacity of up to 100 t, which is also double the industry average.

“There are two independent laying lines, a state-of-the-art DP3 positioning and seakeeping system and a specifically designed engine and propulsion setup that will ensure a reduced environmental footprint,” he adds.

“Crew comfort and safety are other further high priorities and the on-board 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.

“With a range of Prysmian’s high-tech installation and burial equipment, such as the Hydroplow, the Heavy Duty Plough, the Sea Mole and the 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 Ozmen.

In April, the group said that the submarine cable market was projected to reach $26.16- billion by 2025, representing a compound yearly growth rate of just over 12%.