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Prysmian prepares to install cables for the largest offshore wind project in the US

crivelli

Prysmian prepares to install cables for the largest offshore wind project in the US this summer

Prysmian is preparing to start the cable installation for the largest offshore wind project in the US, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW). Dominion Energy’s 2.6 GW project in Virginia is Prysmian’s second offshore wind project in the US following the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm in Massachusetts, successfully installed and tested. The total value of the contract is about €2 billion, of which around €740 million is related to Prysmian for its cable supply and installation works. CVOW is expected to be in service in 2026 and is set to play a crucial role in the clean energy future of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Once fully operational, the 176-turbine offshore wind farm, located about 27 miles (43 kilometers) from the coast of Virginia Beach, will supply clean, reliable renewable power to up to 660,000 households.

The company is investing in the United States to build a new submarine plant as part of its commitment to supporting the role of offshore wind power in the US energy transition. US President Joe Biden has set a target of installing 30 GW in offshore wind power by 2030 to achieve the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources to cope with global warming.

 

“This is the most important project in the area to represent the industry and the power of Prysmian to deliver and help the US to meet the targets they are aiming for” 

crivelli

Alessandro Jared Crivelli

Project Director

“After more than two years since the project award we can proudly say that the progress is aligned to the baseline: manufacturing is running and we are ready to deliver the first cables to the US,” he said. The cable installation is scheduled to begin this summer. The first campaign will be carried out by one of the consortium partner’s vessels, to be followed by Prysmian’s Ulisse cable laying vessel which will start on the project in September. Overall, four Prysmian vessels will be involved, including the Cable Enterprise and the Giulio Verne, and the new vessel Monna Lisa which will make its debut with its first-ever installation in 2025.

The Monna Lisa is the sister ship to Prysmian’s cutting-edge Leonardo da Vinci cable-laying vessel and will have the most advanced technology in the market. The 171-meter ship is currently under construction in Romania. It will match the performance of the Leonardo da Vinci, while incorporating some green improvements such as lower C02 emissions.

 

The project involves the company’s largest ever production run for High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) export cables: nine independent Export Cables for a total length of 566 km. These are being produced at its plants in Arco Felice, Italy, and Pikkala, Finland. Prysmian’s sites in Gron, France, Pignataro in Italy and Nordenham in Germany are meanwhile involved in the manufacturing of the inter-array cables. Prysmian is now gearing up for the first load-out of cables from Pikkala in April, and the second from Arco Felice by July. This will involve loading the cable from the factory onto a vessel and then transporting it to the US for the installation, with the journey taking between 20 to 30 days. The company is aiming to fast-track the project, aided by its expanding fleet of vessels.

 

“We can fast-track because we have several ship assets dedicated to this project,” said Crivelli. “We have decided to keep the Ulisse in the US from the start until the end of the operation to minimize the project duration. Consequently, during the project we are planning a number of cables transpooling from other vessels to Ulisse. The key characteristic of Ulisse is the capacity to install cables in shallow waters, thus making the vessel ideal for the near-shore installation due to the water depth.”

Every project has its challenges, and this one is particularly complex. Crivelli and his team are organizing the operations of five cable-making factories and four vessels, as well as vessels from consortium partners. Coordination is especially important as the company is committed to the project schedule of the construction, and any delays in picking up the cables from the factories could lead to stoppages in the plants and impact other projects.

“We are experiencing expansion and market demand, while at the same time respecting all the commitments to our clients. The factories are full, as are all the assets like the vessels. The main aim for us is to stay within the plan to avoid any disruption at portfolio level,” said Crivelli.

 

Prysmian's involvement in the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project means a significant step towards advancing renewable energy in the United States. With state-of-the-art technology and meticulous planning, Prysmian is poised to play a crucial role in supplying clean power to hundreds of thousands of households. This endeavor not only aligns with national renewable energy targets but also underscores Prysmian's commitment to sustainability and innovation. As the company navigates the complexities of this project, it sets a compelling example of leadership in driving the transition towards a cleaner and greener future.