Posted on July 18, 2025
A major milestone was reached this week as the next-generation cable-laying vessel, Prysmian Monna Lisa, commenced installation work for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project—currently the largest offshore wind farm under construction in the United States.
Owned and operated by Prysmian, the Monna Lisa marks its debut operation by laying high-voltage submarine cables to support the 2.6 GW CVOW project, developed by Dominion Energy. Located off the coast of Virginia, the project is a key component in the U.S. energy transition, aiming to deliver clean power to over 660,000 homes once completed.
The Monna Lisa isn’t just another vessel. It’s the latest in a fleet designed specifically to handle complex subsea cable installations, featuring dynamic positioning, advanced cable-laying technology, and increased cable load capacity. This move positions Prysmian more firmly in the high-voltage subsea market, where demand is rapidly rising due to global offshore wind expansion.
The start of operations reflects months of engineering and operational readiness. For Prysmian, this job isn’t about breaking records—it’s about executing with precision and reliability. The vessel is now actively deploying the subsea link that will serve as the backbone for one of the most ambitious wind energy projects in North America.
This step also underscores a shift in how offshore infrastructure is being handled globally. Dedicated assets like the Monna Lisa allow for specialized deployment, minimizing risk and delays. And as the global race toward energy diversification heats up, so too does the need for efficient marine logistics and integrated project freight handling—something the sector is watching closely.
