by InTrieste
In a groundbreaking move, Vard, a Norwegian subsidiary under the Fincantieri Group, has inked a substantial deal worth approximately €230 million for the design and construction of a state-of-the-art cable-laying vessel for Prysmian Group. Prysmian Group, a global powerhouse in the energy and telecommunications cable systems sector, is set to bolster its fleet with this latest addition.
This marks Vard’s third venture in constructing cable-laying vessels for Prysmian Group, following the ongoing “Monna Lisa” project and the successful delivery of the “Leonardo da Vinci” in 2021. The upcoming vessel is poised to fortify Prysmian Group’s position as the leading fleet in the industry.
The cable-laying vessel represents an evolution of the “Monna Lisa” class. Boasting dimensions of approximately 185 meters in length and 34 meters in width, the new vessel will incorporate advanced cable installation solutions. This includes three rotating platforms with a total capacity of 19,000 tons, positioning it among the market’s highest load-bearing cable-laying vessels. This innovative feature will significantly reduce transportation times from the factory to the site, enhancing overall project efficiency.
With a towing force exceeding 180 tons, the vessel will execute complex installation operations by simultaneously laying and interrogating cables (up to 4 cables) using various plows. This unparalleled optimization of offshore operations is further complemented by cutting-edge Dynamic Positioning (DP3) systems and seaworthiness capabilities. The vessel is slated for delivery in Q4 of 2026.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, expressed his thoughts on the significant milestone, stating, “This order reinforces our technological partnership with Prysmian: it marks the third unit we are delivering for this prestigious client, following the successes of the ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ and the ‘Monna Lisa.’ It underscores Fincantieri’s prominent role in the offshore market.