The vehicles will be mobilized on Prysmian’s new-generation cable-laying vessels, Prysmian Alessandro Volta and Prysmian Mona Lisa.
The ploughs have been designed to bury a conventional multi-core power cable, a bundled 2-pole power cable, and a quad bundle up to a maximum of 5 m beneath the mean seabed level. The handling of a quad bundle in twin carousels, through the back deck, over the stern, into the plough, and into the trench has been a true example of an innovative partnership.
By combining Prysmian’s extensive expertise in power cable design and offshore installation processes with SMD’s advanced cable handling and plough design capabilities, the two companies are addressing a unique opportunity within the industry.
Paul Davison, Deputy CEO at SMD, explains: “We are proud to have delivered this innovative plough to our partner Prysmian. This partnership in innovation demonstrates to grid operators that the next generation of power cables can be designed, built, installed, and protected with the highest level of assurance.
“This technology is ready to support 2 GW offshore grid connections that are crucial for linking energy generation to security of supply, and their capacity positions them as a national strategic priority. The quad bundles will provide grid connections from the next-generation offshore wind farms to key industrial hubs deep in the heart of industrial Europe. They will also link renewable energy resources to high-density demand by an offshore green link, offsetting the need for land cables, pylons, and disruption to the local population.”
“We’ve had a long and successful partnership with Prysmian as they’ve expanded their offshore installation services, with these being their 4th and 5th SMD plough assets. They have been expert plough operators, quietly and effectively laying and burying thousands of kilometers of power cables around the world, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in equipment and being a dependable OEM service provider.”
Including SMD jetting and hard ground trenching tools, Prysmian has the full complement of burial assets for any power cable type or seabed challenge.
Peter Watson, UK Marine Base and VOO Manager responsible for Prysmian’s Subsea Assets, added: “Prysmian is proud to have partnered with SMD on the development of a state-of-the-art subsea plough. This innovative machine combines Prysmian’s extensive operational expertise with SMD know-how to tackle the most demanding submarine projects.”
SMD and Prysmian remain committed to providing pioneering and reliable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the subsea engineering industry.
