The Prysmian Monna Lisa, a state-of-the-art cable-laying vessel built by VARD, has been awarded Ship of the Year 2025 by Norwegian maritime magazine Skipsrevyen, recognizing its advanced subsea installation capabilities and sustainability innovations.
In a ceremony marking innovation in shipbuilding, Skipsrevyen presented its annual Ship of the Year award to the Prysmian Monna Lisa, a vessel hailed as the most technologically advanced of its class. Designed and built by VARD, part of the Fincantieri Group, for global cable manufacturer Prysmian, the vessel is the second in a growing fleet that supports the world’s demand for high-capacity subsea power cable installation.
What sets Monna Lisa apart? She can install cables at water depths beyond 3,000 meters and has an unmatched loading capacity—boasting two carousels with 7,000-ton and 10,000-ton capacities, respectively. These specifications make her a critical asset in executing complex offshore energy infrastructure projects.
The vessel’s recognition underscores a trend shaping the maritime industry: integrating heavy-duty capability with environmental responsibility. Monna Lisa’s energy storage system—twice the size of its predecessor, Prysmian Leonardo da Vinci—and a high-voltage shore connection allow it to shut down diesel generators entirely during port operations, eliminating local emissions.
“The Prysmian Monna Lisa is part of our unrivalled fleet of eight proprietary cable-laying vessels,” said Raul Gil, EVP of Prysmian’s Transmission BU. “This vessel reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. We are proud to partner with world-class shipbuilders such as Fincantieri and VARD to further enhance our installation capabilities.”
The award is not only a milestone for Prysmian but also a testament to VARD’s evolving shipbuilding strategy. Based on the VARD 9 04 design developed in Ålesund, Norway, the 171-meter-long and 34-meter-wide vessel combines precision engineering with deep-sea reliability. It features state-of-the-art DP3 dynamic positioning, a high bollard pull for challenging operations, and battery hybrid propulsion systems that reduce fuel use and emissions.
Alberto Maestrini, Chairman of VARD, highlighted the collaborative success: “Prysmian Monna Lisa shows what can be achieved through true partnership. Together, our collaborative approach is setting new standards for offshore cable installation.”
The vessel’s journey from concept to completion involved several VARD shipyards and subsidiaries. Its hull was constructed at Vard Shipyards in Tulcea, Romania, while outfitting and final installations occurred at Vard Søviknes in Norway, with system contributions from Vard Interiors and Vard Electro.
Cathrine K. Marti, CEO of VARD, emphasized the long-term relationship: “The success of Prysmian Monna Lisa builds on the foundation laid with Prysmian Leonardo da Vinci, and continues with a third vessel now under construction. This partnership demonstrates our ability to consistently deliver complex, high-quality vessels designed to meet tomorrow’s energy demands.”
The vessel is equipped for more than just laying cables. An upgraded A-frame and towing system enable simultaneous laying and burial in deep water—critical for high-voltage submarine links connecting offshore wind farms to mainland grids or interconnecting energy markets.
With increasing global energy demands and a shift to renewable power, vessels like Monna Lisa are no longer niche—they are essential. Designed with sustainability in mind and built for some of the most demanding subsea environments, this vessel solidifies its place at the forefront of the offshore power transmission industry.
