Alcatel Submarine Networks and ELWAVE Announce a Strategic Partnership to Develop and Deploy Electric-Field Sensors for Enhanced Monitoring and Inspection of Subsea Telecommunication Cables
ASN, Elwave Press Release
November 7, 2025
ALCATEL SUBMARINE NETWORKS (ASN) and ELWAVE announce a strategic partnership to develop and deploy electric-field sensors for enhanced monitoring and inspection of subsea telecommunication cables.
ASN, a global leader in optical submarine cable systems, and ELWAVE, a French deeptech company specialized in subsea active and passive electric-field sensors, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership to adapt and deploy ELWAVE’s advanced detection and inspection solutions for ASN’s operational needs.
This partnership between two French companies aims to qualify a patented sensing technology based on electric perception, enabling autonomous tracking of laid and buried cables while simultaneously measuring their depth of burial. The technology provides a broader detection range than conventional electromagnetic systems.
The technological and operational breakthrough targeted through this partnership opens a wide range of applications across both civil and defense domains. The compact design of the electric sensor enables integration onto subsea drones, unlocking new operational capabilities for subsea cable maintenance (telecoms, offshore wind) and pipeline inspection, as well as naval operations such as critical infrastructure monitoring and seabed control missions.
“ELWAVE shares our commitment to innovation and quality. Together, we aim to modernize the operational processes that are so critical to our cable-laying activities, while seizing the opportunities that new technologies bring”, said Jérémie MAILLET, Marine Operations Director, ASN.
“Partnering with ASN, the global leader in submarine cable systems, marks a major milestone in our ambition to deploy our electric perception solutions with top-tier clients such as telecom operators and hyperscalers”, said Pierre TUFFIGO, President, ELWAVE.
About Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN)
With over 160 years of history and 80% ownership by the French State Investment Agency (APE), Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) is a major player in the submarine cable industry, with more than 850,000 km of submerged optical systems deployed worldwide – equivalent to 21 times the Earth’s circumference. With its 3 factories located in Europe and an exclusive fleet of 7 cable-laying vessels spread across the globe, ASN develops, designs, deploys, and maintains turnkey submarine transmission systems for telecommunications operators, content & service providers (OTT), as well as offshore oil and gas applications. With a complete portfolio of services and a unique expertise, ASN meets specific and growing demands of its clients to deliver ever-increasing connectivity across the seas and oceans.
ASN is actively continuing its investment in the development of Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE). This focus on innovation and advancement in SLTE technology highlights ASN’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of the subsea communications industry. By doing so, ASN ensures that its systems are equipped with the latest technological advancements, offering enhanced performance, reliability, and efficiency.
About ELWAVE
ELWAVE is a French deeptech SME founded in 2018, specializing in underwater ELWAVE is a French deeptech SME founded in 2018, specializing in underwater electromagnetism. Originating from the research conducted by the biorobotics laboratory of LS2N (Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes), the company develops innovative sensors capable of detecting, tracking, and accurately characterizing objects in complex marine environments.
Its unique technologies serve international clients in the fields of defense, maritime security, and marine energy.
Paul BALLET – Responsable communication externe Alcatel Submarine Networks, [email protected]
Gary BAGOT – Directeur Commercial ELWAVE, [email protected]
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