Prysmian brings in new state-of-the-art burial tool to keep submarine cables safe

Prysmian has put into operation a brand-new burial tool – the latest generation heavy-duty plough - used for burying submarine cables deep under the seabed. The burial tool – Prysmian’s most powerful and largest yet, is one of two that have been procured from North East England based SMD and will be used for the burial of power cables at a maximum of five meters beneath mean seabed level.

The tool, which has been created in close-collaboration between Prysmian and SMD will make cable burial more effective and keep the cables even more protected – a top priority for Prysmian’s customers.

Submarine cables are strategic assets, working as electrical superhighways, bringing energy across long distances in the form of interconnectors, or connecting renewable generation such as offshore wind with the grid.

The burial tool will be deployed for operation on Prysmian’s latest-generation deep-sea cable installation vessels, the Prysmian Monna Lisa and the Prysmian Alessandro Volta.

British supply chain enabled by world leading know-how

Prysmian’s Middlesbrough Marine base takes the lead in the planning, procurement and deployment of Prysmian’s burial operations – and the partnership with SMD underlines the winwin for British energy investments in the submarine space, creating a positive ecosystem of knowhow and employment.

Peter Watson, Middlesbrough Marine base & Offshore Subsea Assets at Prysmian:

“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.

And this is also a British success story – Prysmian’s marine base here in Middlesborough is a central part of our global operations and is also helping to deliver key British submarine projects. This longterm 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, thanks to major submarine electricity projects. It’ll be this technology that is vital to keeping these investments and our energy safe.”