Energy and telecom cable systems specialist Prysmian Group has signed a contract with Norway's Vard Holdings for the design and construction of a cable-laying vessel.
Designed for advanced subsea operations, the specialised vessel will have deep-water installation capabilities for depths of more than 2,000 metres and high cable-loading capacity in large cable rotating platforms.
Measuring 172 metres by 34 metres and accommodating 120 people, the vessel will perform complex installation operations supporting footprint burial systems, including underwater heavy-duty ploughs and high-precision positioning and seakeeping systems.
Delivery is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2020.
The contract value, which includes owner-supplied equipment, amounts to €170 million (US$206 million).