SMD Delivers Heavy-Duty Cable Plough to Prysmian for Offshore Grid Links

Prysmian has taken delivery of a heavy-duty power cable plough from subsea technology company SMD, the first of two systems designed to support offshore wind grid connections. The vehicles will be mobilised on Prysmian's new-generation cable-laying vessels and can bury cables up to five metres beneath the mean seabed level. The technology is positioned to support 2 GW offshore grid connections linking next-generation wind farms to industrial hubs across Europe, reducing the need for land cables and pylons.

 

Details of the Delivery

 

Prysmian has formally received the first of two advanced cable ploughs from SMD. The delivery marks a significant addition to the company's subsea installation capability. The second system is scheduled for delivery later this year. Prysmian is described as a global leader in power cable solutions. SMD contributes its expertise as a subsea technology and engineering company.

The ploughs will be deployed from Prysmian's newest vessels. They will be mobilised on the cable-laying ships Prysmian Alessandro Volta and Prysmian Mona Lisa. These represent the company's new generation of installation vessels. Pairing advanced ploughs with modern vessels strengthens the overall installation package. This combination supports increasingly demanding offshore cable projects.

 

Technical Capability of the Ploughs

 

The ploughs are engineered to handle several distinct cable configurations. They can bury a conventional multi-core power cable beneath the seabed. They also accommodate a bundled two-pole power cable arrangement. In addition, the systems can handle a quad bundle configuration. Each type can be buried up to a maximum of five metres below the mean seabed level.

Handling a quad bundle presented a particular engineering challenge. The process involves managing the bundle through twin carousels on the vessel. It then passes across the back deck and over the stern of the ship. From there it feeds into the plough and finally into the trench. Both companies describe this sequence as an example of innovative partnership in practice.

 

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The Partnership Behind the Technology

 

The project draws on complementary strengths from both companies. Prysmian contributes extensive expertise in power cable design and offshore installation processes. SMD provides advanced cable handling and plough design capabilities. Combining these areas allowed the partners to address a specific industry opportunity. The result is equipment tailored to emerging grid connection requirements.

The relationship between the two companies has developed over an extended period. These ploughs represent Prysmian's fourth and fifth SMD plough assets. SMD described Prysmian as expert plough operators over many years. The company has laid and buried thousands of kilometres of power cables worldwide. Both parties expect the partnership to continue through equipment supply and ongoing service.

 

Supporting Offshore Grid Connections

 

The technology targets a critical need in European energy infrastructure. SMD leadership said the ploughs are ready to support 2 GW offshore grid connections. Such connections link energy generation to security of supply. Their capacity positions them as a national strategic priority in several markets. This frames the equipment as infrastructure of broad strategic importance.

The quad bundle capability serves a specific and growing application. These bundles will provide grid connections from next-generation offshore wind farms. They will carry power to key industrial hubs deep within industrial Europe. The links will connect renewable resources to areas of high-density demand. This offshore green link approach avoids land cables, pylons and local disruption.

 

A Complete Burial Capability

 

The ploughs complete a broader suite of Prysmian burial assets. The company already operates SMD jetting and hard ground trenching tools. Adding the new ploughs gives it a full complement of burial equipment. This covers any power cable type across varied seabed conditions. Such breadth allows the company to address diverse project requirements.

Both companies frame the delivery within a wider commitment to the sector. Prysmian described the plough as a state-of-the-art machine for demanding submarine projects. It combines the operator's operational expertise with SMD's technical knowledge. SMD said the partnership demonstrates that next-generation cables can be designed, built, installed and protected with high assurance. Both remain focused on delivering reliable solutions for the evolving subsea engineering industry.