- Prysmian and VARD’s state-of-the-art cable-laying vessel Prysmian Monna Lisa has been awarded Ship of the Year 2025 by Norwegian maritime magazine Skipsrevyen.
- Designed for deepwater cable installation, the vessel boasts unmatched cable capacity, advanced energy systems, and low-emission technology, setting new benchmarks in sustainability and offshore operations.
- The award highlights the successful collaboration between Prysmian and VARD, building on the success of Leonardo da Vinci and reflecting the shared commitment to innovation, precision, and execution.
Prysmian and VARD, a Fincantieri Group company, have announced that their advanced cable-laying vessel Prysmian Monna Lisa has been named Ship of the Year 2025 by the respected Norwegian trade journal Skipsrevyen. The award, established in 1997, celebrates innovation and excellence in Norwegian shipbuilding, with Monna Lisa recognized as the most sophisticated vessel in its category.
Designed for Unmatched Performance
Prysmian Monna Lisa is engineered for deepwater cable installation at depths exceeding 3,000 meters and is equipped with the market’s largest cable capacity, featuring dual carousels that can hold 7,000 and 10,000 tons respectively. The vessel also includes a significantly enhanced energy storage system—double that of its predecessor, Leonardo da Vinci—and is fitted with a high-voltage shore connection for emission-free port operations.
Green Technology at the Core
The vessel’s environmentally advanced systems enable it to run entirely on shore power while docked, cutting port emissions to zero. Its hybrid power setup, which includes biodiesel compatibility, reflects Prysmian’s mission to combine operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. These innovations played a key role in the Ship of the Year award recognition.
Prysmian’s Vision for the Future
Raul Gil, EVP of Prysmian’s Transmission Business Unit, commented:
“The Monna Lisa is part of Prysmian’s industry-leading fleet of eight cable-laying vessels. Purpose-built for submarine cable projects, this vessel is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and executing complex turnkey solutions. Our collaboration with Fincantieri and VARD has delivered a world-class platform that enhances our operational capabilities globally.”
Seamless Collaboration from Concept to Delivery
The Mona Lisa project reflects the close integration between Prysmian and VARD, with teams working in unison from design through delivery. Alberto Maestrini, Chairman of VARD, noted:
“This vessel represents the power of partnership. Together with Prysmian, we’ve set new standards for offshore cable-laying through innovation and technical excellence.”
Shipbuilding Expertise and Legacy
VARD CEO Cathrine K. Marti added:
“We’re proud to share this award with Prysmian. Prysmian Monna Lisa builds on the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci and highlights the innovation and quality embedded in the Fincantieri Group. With a third vessel already under construction, this partnership continues to push the boundaries of offshore vessel performance.”
Built for Complex Global Projects
Based on the VARD 9 04 design developed in Ålesund, Norway, Prysmian Monna Lisa is 171 meters long and 34 meters wide. It features a highly advanced dynamic positioning system (DP3), large-capacity carousels, powerful A-frame and towing systems, and battery-hybrid propulsion, all optimized for simultaneous cable laying and burial in deepwater environments.
From Romania to Norway: A Global Build
The vessel’s hull was constructed at Vard Shipyards Romania – Tulcea, while outfitting and finalization were carried out at Vard Søviknes in Norway, supported by VARD subsidiaries such as Vard Electro and Vard Interiors.
Innovation Anchored in Partnership
Prysmian Monna Lisa exemplifies the convergence of cutting-edge maritime engineering and sustainability. As part of Prysmian’s growing fleet, this vessel addresses the increasing global demand for robust, low-emission subsea power infrastructure, reinforcing Prysmian and VARD’s shared role as leaders in shaping the future of offshore energy.
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Source: Prysmian
