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The 171-metre vessel, the most advanced cable-laying ship in the world, is well under way and progressing on time.
Following completion of the design and engineering phases, steel cutting began in May this year and the traditional keel laying ceremony took place on 3 September 2019.
THE ROAD TO COMPLETION
Prysmian already has three cable-laying vessels in operation: Giulio Verne, Cable Enterprise and Ulisse. Leonardo da Vinci, which represents an overall investment of more than €170 million, is due to reinforce the fleet by 2Q 2021 and will consolidate further the Group’s leadership in the submarine cables and systems business.
The steel hull is being built by the Norwegian offshore builder Vard Holdings Limited, Fincantieri’s Norwegian subsidiary, at its shipyard in Tulcea (Romania). Several of the Group’s specialized subsidiaries are also involved in the project by supplying equipment and solutions. Prysmian Group is responsible for all the onboard cable-laying machinery such as capstans, carousels and tensioners.
The vessel’s hull and superstructure are being built in 8 modules or blocks based on a naval platform designed by Vard. Designed to provide accommodation for 120 persons, the cable-laying vessel is designed to provide comfort, in addition to technology. Ample working spaces and recreational areas are provided for all personnel, including fully equipped gym, auditorium, game room, dayroom and officers lounge.
The hull structure is due to be completed by the end of July 2020, by which time the installation of heavy equipment such as the sheaves for cable-laying will have begun. Installation of the main engines is scheduled for February 2020 and the hull is due to be launched the following July. It will then be towed to Vard’s facility in Brattvag, Norway, for fitting out and finishing with arrival expected in August next year.
The main switchboards will be switched on in November 2020 and commissioning of the engines and Azipods will start in January the following year.
Following sea trails in March, Prysmian will take delivery of Leonardo da Vinci, and add this outstanding new vessel to its unique cable-laying fleet, a fleet worthy the world’s largest cable manufacturers.
