The submarine cables, often called submarine cables, They are the hidden heroes of the digital age. These engineering marvels stretch across oceans and seas, allowing fast and reliable transmission of data, energy and communications. They form the backbone of the global Internet, silently facilitating more than 99% of international data traffic.
What is a submarine cable?
A submarine cable is a specialized cable designed to be laid over the seabed to transmit data, energy or signals between two points on earth. These cables are mainly fiber optic, ensuring high-speed, high-capacity communication between continents. Besides, Underwater power cables are used to transmit electricity, and often connect marine renewable energy sources to the grid.
Los submarine cables They work silently under the waves, but its impact on modern life is enormous: allow access to the Internet, the phone calls, financial transactions and much more.
Manufacturing process
The construction of submarine cables involves precision manufacturing in specialized factories.
Core creation:
In the case of data cables, Fiber optic strands are extracted from silica and bundled into precise configurations.
In the case of power cables, The conductive core is manufactured by extruding copper or aluminum into long, flexible wires..
Layers:
Layers of insulation are added, resistance and protection elements sequentially to the core using advanced machinery.
Each layer is tested to ensure it meets international standards for durability and performance.
quality tests:
Cables undergo rigorous testing, including stress testing, temperature resistance testing and water pressure testing, to ensure they can withstand deep sea conditions.
How are submarine cables installed??
1.Route planning and study
Before installing a submarine cable, Careful planning and study is carried out to ensure optimal cable performance and longevity.
(1) Route mapping
Engineers use advanced technologies, how to sound, satellite images and remotely operated vehicles (ROV) to map the seabed.
The goal is to identify a safe and efficient route for the cable that minimizes the risks of natural obstacles such as seamounts., trenches and coral reefs.
(2) Study of the seabed
Studies determine the composition of the seabed (For example, arena, rock the slime) and evaluate environmental conditions, like currents, tectonic activity and sediment movement.
The data collected is used to design the cable route and identify areas where the cable needs additional protection, as burial.
(3) risk assessment
Planned route avoids shipwrecks, existing underwater infrastructure, areas with a lot of fishing and shipping routes with a lot of traffic.
Environmental impact assessments are carried out to protect marine ecosystems.
2.Cable manufacturing and testing
Submarine cables are custom manufactured to meet specific project requirements. The manufacturing process ensures that the cables can withstand harsh underwater conditions.
(1) Core design
Data cables are manufactured with fiber optic cores for high speed data transmission, while power cables use conductive materials such as copper or aluminum.
The core is surrounded by multiple protective layers, which include insulation, shielding and an outer cover to protect against pressure, abrasion and corrosion.
(2) Quality control
Each cable undergoes rigorous testing, including tensile strength tests, temperature resistance and water pressure simulations.
Then, cables are wound on huge spools, ready for transport to installation site.
3.Cable laying process
The actual installation of a submarine cable is a complex operation carried out by specialized cable laying ships..
(1) Cable charging
The cable is carefully loaded onto the cable laying ship. These ships are equipped with huge reels to hold kilometers of cable.
Engineers ensure the cable is wound correctly to prevent damage during deployment.
(2) Cable placement
Deepwater deployment:
In deep water areas, The cable is placed directly on the seabed using dynamic positioning systems on the ship to ensure precise placement.
The cable is gradually uncoiled as the ship moves along the pre-planned route.
Installation in shallow water:
Nearshore areas require additional protection. In these areas, the cable is buried beneath the seabed using underwater plows or ROVs to protect it from fishing activities, anchors and maritime traffic.
(3) Voltage monitoring
Advanced systems monitor and adjust cable tension during deployment to prevent breaks or kinks.
4.Cable protection and burial
To ensure the safety and longevity of the cable, Protective measures are taken based on seabed conditions and environmental risks.
(1) Burial
In shallow water or high risk areas, the cables are buried 1 a 3 meters below the seabed using specialized equipment such as cable plows or water jet machines. Burial provides an additional layer of protection against fishing gear, ship anchors and other human activities.
(2) Armor
Cables in rocky or high-risk areas are double shielded for greater durability.
Shielding consists of steel wires wrapped around the cable to prevent physical damage.
5.Splicing and testing
For long cable routes, sections of the cable must be spliced. This process is carried out with extreme precision on board the ship that lays the cable.
(1) Splice
Fiber optic cables are joined together using fusion splicing, a method that aligns and fuses glass fibers to ensure smooth data transmission.
Power cables require mechanical splicing of conductive materials to maintain a constant current flow.
(2) Proof
After splicing, the cable is tested for continuity, strength and signal quality to ensure no faults before proceeding with installation.
6.Post-installation testing and maintenance
Once the cable is placed, undergoes rigorous post-installation testing and periodic maintenance to ensure uninterrupted operation.
(1) Evidence
Engineers perform signal tests to confirm the integrity of fiber optic connections and the functionality of electrical transmission lines.
Underwater vehicles can inspect the cable to ensure it is properly routed and buried.
(2) Ongoing maintenance
Although submarine cables are built to last decades, occasionally require repairs due to earthquake damage, fishing activities or boat anchors.
Repair boats use grappling tools to recover damaged section of cable, which is then repaired and redeployed.
7.Technological innovations in the installation of submarine cables
Recent advances have made the installation of submarine cables more efficient and reliable:
Dynamic positioning systems (DPS):
Cable-laying ships use DPS to maintain precise positions without anchoring, even in rough seas.
8. Remotely operated
Vehicles (ROV):
ROVs are used to inspect and assist with cable burial and repairs.
Advanced plowing machines:
Modern plows use water jet technology to bury cables in difficult seabed conditions, such as rocky or clay-rich areas.
Monitoring systems:
Continuous monitoring systems detect potential risks, such as movement or damage to cables, allowing for preventive maintenance.
Submarine cable repair and maintenance
Submarine cables are designed to last decades, but may occasionally require maintenance or repair.
Location of damage:
Specialized ships and ROVs locate the damaged section of cable using sonar and other detection technologies.
Cable recovery:
The damaged section is carefully brought to the surface for repair. In the case of deep water cables, This requires advanced gripping techniques..
Splicing and testing:
Engineers splice damaged section of cable, They restore their protective layers and perform tests to ensure the repair is successful.
Submarine cable manufacturer
Dosense Cable is a renowned manufacturer of submarine cables, specialized in design, production and supply of advanced solutions for underwater data and power transmission. With years of experience in the industry, Dosense Cable offers high quality submarine cables that meet the most demanding international standards.
Our submarine cables are designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, like high pressure, corrosion and temperature fluctuations in marine environments. They incorporate advanced technology, such as high-performance optical fibers for fast communications and reinforced copper or aluminum conductors for efficient electrical transmission.
In Dosense Cable, We carry out exhaustive quality control at each stage of the manufacturing process, guaranteeing reliable and long-lasting products. Besides, we offer customized solutions for specific projects, adapting to the needs of our clients in sectors such as telecommunications, renewable energies and intercontinental projects.
Trust Dosense Cable as your strategic partner in submarine cables, backed by innovation, experience and commitment to excellence.
Submarine cable prices
Submarine cable prices vary significantly depending on several factors, such as cable type, your specific application, the materials used and the technical characteristics required. Next, The most relevant aspects that influence the cost of submarine cables are detailed.:
1. Submarine Cable Type
Fiber Optic Cables:
Mainly used for high speed data transmission. Their price is usually high due to the advanced technology they use to guarantee efficient and secure communication..
Power Cables:
Designed for the transmission of electricity underwater, These cables vary by voltage capacity (baja, medium or high voltage) and conductive materials such as copper or aluminum.
2.Cable Length and Diameter
Length:
Subsea projects require long cables, which can significantly increase the cost. For example, cables for interconnections between countries can exceed hundreds or thousands of kilometers.
Diameter:
Cables with larger diameters usually have higher costs because they require additional layers of insulation, shielding and protection.
3.Materials Used
Drivers:
copper, being highly efficient but expensive, can increase the price of cable. aluminum, although cheaper, it is less efficient.
Protection and Isolation:
Submarine cables include multiple layers of protection, like polyethylene (PE), XLPE, galvanized steel and corrosion-resistant material reinforcements, what influences its price.
4. Additional Factors
Project Conditions:
The complex routes, with rocky terrain or extreme depths, may require specially designed cables, which increases the price.
Manufacturers and Suppliers:
Companies like Dosense Cable offer customized submarine cables, which may influence the cost depending on the specifications requested.
Price Range
Average prices for submarine fiber optic cables range between $5,000 y $10,000 USD per kilometer, depending on the technology.
Submarine power cables can cost between $15,000 y $30,000 USD per kilometer, depending on voltage and materials.
In conclusion, Submarine cable prices depend on a combination of technical and project-specific factors. To obtain an accurate quote adapted to your needs, Dosense Cable offers personalized advice and competitive solutions in the market.