Italian cabling giant Prysmian has put into operation a new, latest-generation heavy-duty plough developed by the UK’s SMD, stating that it is its most powerful and largest so far.

The new heavy-duty plough represents a significant advancement in the technology used for power cable placement. Specifically designed for harsh underwater environments, this plough enhances Prysmian’s capability to adapt to different seabed conditions, ensuring effective cable burial. The tool can bury cables at impressive depths of up to five meters beneath the mean seabed level, allowing for flexible deployment across a wide range of projects.
Prysmian has acquired two units of this state-of-the-art plough from SMD, and they will be crucially employed on the company’s cable-laying vessels (CLVs) named Monna Lisa and Alessandro Volta. These vessels will now have an edge in executing projects that demand precision and efficiency in challenging underwater terrains.
Peter Watson, representing Prysmian’s Middlesbrough Marine base & Offshore Subsea Assets, expressed enthusiasm regarding the plough’s capabilities. He stated, “With accuracy, precision, and efficiency, the tool enhances our ability to tackle increasingly challenging seabed conditions and achieve cable burial depths of up to five meters, depending on seabed characteristics.” This statement underscores the importance of the technology for future energy projects and its role in enhancing operational capabilities.
Moreover, Watson noted the local significance of this development, referring to it as a “British success story.” The Middlesbrough marine base plays a vital role in Prysmian’s global operations, supporting key submarine projects across the UK and Europe. Watson emphasized the critical relationship between local expertise and broader energy goals, stating, “This long-term partnership of technical know-how and understanding with our partners at SMD reflects just how vital the supply chain of technology in North East England is to deliver energy security for the UK and for Europe.”
This latest investment in heavy-duty plough technology not only enhances Prysmian’s maritime capabilities but also solidifies the company’s commitment to developing sustainable and efficient energy solutions. As the demand for renewable energy sources and submarine electricity infrastructure continues to grow, advancements like these are essential in addressing the challenges posed by varying seabed conditions.
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