Record-Breaking Submarine Cable Installation at 2150m

Prysmian sets a new industry record with the ultra-deep installation of a 500 kV HVDC MI1 cable at 2,150 m water depth, marking a new generation of cable technology.
Record-Breaking Submarine Cable Installation at 2150m

Record-Breaking Submarine Cable Installation at 2150m

A 500 kV HVDC MI1 cable at 2,150 m water depth

Prysmian has completed the sea trial tests for the ultra-deep installation of a 500 kV HVDC MI1 cable at 2,150 m water depth, setting a new industry record. This non-metallic armored cable, designed with a composite material based on High Modulus Synthetic Fibers, marks a new generation of cable technology.

The use of an innovative armoring solution that is 50% lighter than steel, combined with the state-of-the-art Leonardo da Vinci cable-laying vessel, enabled the installation and maintenance of Terna’s Tyrrhenian Link at a water depth of more than 2,000m, the deepest ever reached with a power cable.

The success of the sea trials is the result of many laboratory tests and proves once more the solidity of Prysmian innovations.

The same light weight armor technology had been used in 2019 for the Evia – Andros-Tinos interconnection at a water depth of 550m and in 2020 for the Crete-Peloponnese submarine interconnection project at 1,000m.

The cable will be employed for the Tyrrhenian Link, a $1.8 billion project awarded in 2021 by Terna S.p.A. Under the contract, Prysmian will design, supply, and install a total of over 1,500 km of submarine cables to support the power exchange among Sardinia, Sicily, and Campania, thus reinforcing the Mediterranean energy hub.

Submarine cable installation

This achievement demonstrates the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of submarine cable installation and reinforces its position as a leader in the industry.

The Future of Submarine Cable Installation

The success of this project paves the way for further innovations in submarine cable installation. As the demand for reliable and efficient energy transmission continues to grow, companies like Prysmian are at the forefront of developing new technologies to meet these needs.

Underwater cable installation

With the ability to install cables at unprecedented depths, the possibilities for offshore energy transmission are vast. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about energy transmission and could have a significant impact on the environment.

Conclusion

Prysmian’s record-breaking submarine cable installation is a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation and its commitment to providing reliable and efficient energy transmission solutions. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for submarine cable installation.

Prysmian submarine cable