Prysmian, an Italian cable manufacturer, has successfully completed sea trial tests for the ultra-deep installation of a 500 kV HVDC MI1 wire in waters reaching 2150 meters depth, the company announced on Wednesday.
This achievement marks an industry first, with Prysmian pioneering the deployment of a non-metallic armoured cable designed with composite materials based on high modulus synthetic fibers. The cable, known for being 50% lighter than steel, was tested aboard the state-of-the-art Leonardo da Vinci cable-laying vessel, enabling its installation and maintenance for Terna's Tyrrhenian Link—a project set to operate at depths exceeding 2000 meters, the deepest ever reached with a power cable.
“The success of these sea trials, supported by extensive laboratory testing, underscores Prysmian's commitment to innovation,” the company stated. “This lightweight armour technology has previously proven effective in submarine interconnection projects, including the Evia – Andros-Tinos in 2019 and the Crete-Peloponnese in 2020.”
Prysmian secured the €1.7 billion Tyrrhenian Link project from Terna in 2021. Under this contract, Prysmian will design, supply, and install over 1500 kilometers of submarine cables, enhancing power exchange among Sardinia, Sicily, and Campania to strengthen the Mediterranean energy hub.
