Italian classification society RINA has carried out a full appraisal of the construction drawings and plans and is carrying out statutory and class certification of Prysmian’s new cable laying vessel Leonardo Da Vinci.
The new vessel is being built by Vard, a Fincantieri company, at one of its shipyards in Norway, with the hull being fabricated at Vard Tulcea in Romania. The delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2021.
The 170-metre Leonardo da Vinci will feature deepwater installation capabilities for depths of more than 3,000 metres, maximum speed above 14 knots, two carousels of 7,000 and 10,000 tons, two independent laying lines, DP3 positioning and seakeeping systems, and a specifically designed engine and propulsion set up.
Once delivered, Leonardo da Vinci will join Prysmian’s CLV fleet which currently comprises Giulio Verne, Cable Enterprise, and Ulisse.
The cable laying vessel, with its dual engine rooms and hybrid power, can operate safely in winds up to 130 kph, RINA said.
The battery power notation has been developed to cover the vessel, which has dedicated lithium batteries to ensure its dynamic positioning even in the worst-case scenarios. In case one of the engine rooms is no longer available, the hybrid propulsion plant and its sophisticated automation allows the batteries to take over the feeding of one thruster for a minimum of 15 minutes, so it can continue to work safely. Batteries can also provide ‘peak shaving’ to reduce emissions.
Paolo Moretti , EVP Marine Strategic Development at RINA, said: “We worked closely with Prysmian and Vard to create the Battery Powered notation, which together with the Green Plus notation, will certify the sustainability ambitions of the owner. We have specifically analysed this innovative arrangement to ensure the vessel is meeting the same level of safety as the DP3 notation.”
The contract for the ship classification, which was awarded to RINA last year, includes certification of all materials throughout the supply chain; from steel plate, through welds and all onboard cable laying equipment.