Italian cable specialist Prysmian has announced the start of keel laying work for the cable-laying (CLV) vessel Leonardo da Vinci at Vard’s shipyard in Tulcea, Romania.
Ordered in April 2018, the new cable-layer is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2021.
“The acquisition of €700 million Viking Link contract confirms Prysmian’s undisputed market leadership and allows us to pursue opportunities in the submarine cable market, in particular in offshore wind farm sector,” said Hakan Ozmen , EVP Projects, Prysmian Group.
”Leonardo da Vinci will be the most advanced cable layer in the market and it will dramatically improve the Group’s project execution capabilities and ability to support our customers, TSOs and Utilities, in matching the increasing need for upgrading power grids to support the energy transition.”
The 170-metre Leonardo da Vinci will feature deep water installation capabilities for depths of more than 3,000 metres, maximum speed above 14 knots, two carousels of 7,000 and 10,000 tons, two independent laying lines, DP3 positioning and seakeeping systems, and a specifically designed engine and propulsion set up.
Once delivered, Leonardo da Vinci will join Prysmian’s CLV fleet which currently comprises Giulio Verne, Cable Enterprise, and Ulisse.