The World’s Biggest & Most Advanced Cable Laying Vessel

The title of the world’s biggest and most advanced cable-laying vessel is held by Leonardo da Vinci, operated by the Prysmian Group.

It was constructed by Vard, a subsidiary of Fincantieri, and is 171 m long and 34 m wide with a summer draught of 8.5 m and a displacement of 36,400 tonnes at full load. It is sailing under the Italian Flag.

It is fitted with two carousels, one with a 10,000-tonne capacity and another with a 7000-tonne capacity. These two independent laying lines give the vessel increased operational flexibility as well.

The world’s biggest cable laying vessel can carry out the deepest power cable installations of up to 3000 m, due to the new-gen cable technology with composite materials and aramid fibres.

The vessel’s capstan capacity of up to 100 tons is double the industry average.

It has a bollard pull of around 200 tonnes, enabling complex installation operations with the help of trenching and burial equipment such as jet trenching tools and ROVs.

Leonardo da Vinci has two enclosed hangars for Remotely Operated Vehicles or ROVs and a helideck for