The installation and maintenance of submarine cables is very difficult for the global data transfer and telecommunication. It involves a series of complex process. There is various hurdles in the deep-sea environment that need specialized equipment’s and expertise. The process is related to the technical, logistical, and environmental difficulties that ranging from the initial cables laying to the ongoing repairs. This blog provide an overview in the challenges faced during the installation and maintenance of submarine cable. For more insights into the broader perspective on the global submarine cable industry check out the Coherent Market Insights page.
Submarine Cable Installation Challenges
The complexity of laying down the submarine cable in deep-sea environment is the primary issues facing in submarine cable installation. These cables are span on thousands of kilometre that are subjected to the different underwater conditions. These conditions include strong currents, rough seabed terrain, and extreme pressure. The cable lying process include the use of specialized ship that are equipped with the dynamic positioning process. There is significant risk associated with the installation of these marine systems.
The difficulty level will get increased as the need of these cable to lay at high depth. Sometimes the limit exceeds to 10,000 meters with immense pressure and temperature near freezing. These system need careful monitoring to avoid various obstacles including shipwreck, underwater mountains, and trenches. It could lead to cable damage and breakage.
Submarine Cable Maintenance Issues
The maintenance of submarine cables is considered as a significant challenges to the marine industry. Once the cable get installed, it will expose to the various natural risk including underwater earthquakes, ship anchors, and fishing trawls. All these factors will lead to physical damage and disruption in services.
However, these cables are located in remote areas and making access for repair crews expensive and difficult. The use of specialized remotely operated vehicles were used to inspect and repair damage cables. The deep sea environment will cause various hurdles such as need for precise navigation and difficulty in carrying out repairs.
Underwater Cable Laying Difficulties
The challenged faced in the process of laying underwater cables will require innovative technologies and well-coordinated logistics. The cables are laid in a way that minimize risk of damage and the terrain is unpredictable. This not only require highly skilled technicians but also need innovative solution that deal with various environmental factors. These environmental conditions includes shifting sands, strong underwater currents and the natural flora and fauna that inhabit in ocean floor.
Cable repairs in deep-sea Environment
One of the most challenging aspect of submarine cable maintenance is the cable repair in deep sea environment. When the cable got damaged then it will be located and repaired quickly as possible to minimize the disruption. The use of specialized vessels and remotely operated underwater vehicles to locate the break and retrieve damaged cable section. The repair process of cables involves splicing new section of cabled and ensure that these are securely connected in underwater environment. It is most difficult operation that needs precision and expertise.
