Unique design, monitoring system maximises lift capacity and uptime of AHC cranes

Active heave-compensated (AHC) cranes are essential tools in the offshore energy sector, supporting precise subsea lifts in some of the harshest sea states and weather conditions. In the case of Prysmian’s cable-laying vessels (CLVs), Prysmian Leonardo da Vinci and Prysmian Monna Lisa, each is equipped with a MacGregor 100-tonne (t) AHC crane, 20-t offshore crane, 3-t deck crane, and the OnWatch Scout condition monitoring and maintenance solution.

A unique design feature of MacGregor AHC cranes is their rounded jib. This makes the units lighter than a conventional box-shaped design, while yielding a higher lifting capacity relative to their weight.

“Reducing steel weight from the crane increases relative lifting power, but it also decreases the ship’s overall weight, in turn enabling a higher deck load, improving stability, and cutting fuel consumption and emissions,” observed MacGregor, advanced offshore solutions, senior sales manager, Ivar Fjermeros. “For Prysmian’s CLVs, this means safer, more accurate, and more sustainable cable-laying operations in all conditions.”

Prysmian new building vessel manager, Davide Leoni agrees. “Their superior performance and cutting-edge technology perfectly support our mission to deliver innovative, safe, and reliable cable-laying solutions across the globe," said Mr Leoni.

Just as vital to the owner is OnWatch Scout condition monitoring and maintenance solution, which helps keep unplanned downtime to a minimum. In the event of equipment failure, Prysmian relies on MacGregor’s global support network to provide remote diagnostics and responsive spare parts delivery from service hubs on six continents.

“Cranes are mission-critical systems for cable-laying vessels: if they’re not functioning properly, the entire mission could be compromised,” said Mr Fjermeros.

Delivered in February by shipbuilder VARD Group, a subsidiary of Fincantieri Group, Prysmian Monna Lisa was honoured with the Skipsrevyen Ship of the Year 2025 award.

Upon entry into service in 2027, Prysmian will add a third DP3 cable laying vessel, Prysmian Alessandro Volta, with the same MacGregor cranes package as its predecessors. The 191-m CLV will represent an evolution of the class, with higher cable-loading capacity and further advanced technical solutions.