THE AGE OF SUBMARINE CABLES BECOMING IS HERE BY RAJ JAYAWARDENA AND MARK:

RAJ JAYAWARDENA, Business Development & Transformation
at FiberSense.

DR. MARK ENGLUND is CEO & Founder of FiberSense.

The Future of Subsea Cable Protection: Fiber Optic Sensing

Have you ever wondered why your downloads are slow or your streaming stutters? The answer lies beneath the ocean's surface. Subsea fiber-optic cables—thin strands of glass laid on the ocean floor—carry 99% of the world’s internet traffic, driving over $7 billion in transactions every minute. However, this critical infrastructure faces constant threats from natural and human activities.

The Fragility of Subsea Cables

Despite being buried under the seafloor, these cables are vulnerable to damage caused by:

  • Strong water currents exposing cables.
  • Tectonic activity and underwater landslides.
  • Fishing nets and anchor drags.
  • Intentional sabotage from bad actors.

With over 200 cable breaks annually and repair costs reaching $2-3 million per incident, ensuring the resilience of these systems is more important than ever.

Enter Fiber Optic Sensing Technology

Recent advancements have transformed subsea cables into self-protecting sentinels. Fiber optic sensing technology enables cables to monitor their environment in real-time, detecting and preventing potential threats before they escalate.

Key benefits of fiber sensing technology include:

  • Proactive Threat Detection: Operators receive alerts about imminent threats, enabling preventive measures.
  • Targeted Repairs: Cables can pinpoint damage locations, reducing downtime and repair costs.
  • Extended Longevity: Predictive maintenance reduces unnecessary handling, preserving cable integrity.
  • Cost-Effective Monitoring: Integrated systems eliminate the need for multiple sensors, cutting long-term costs.

Beyond Cable Protection: New Use Cases

Fiber sensing technology offers additional applications:

  • Marine Monitoring: Tracks wave velocity and marine ecosystems, offering valuable data.
  • Biological Detection: Maps marine wildlife movements to protect biodiversity.
  • Seismic Reporting: Detects earthquakes, tsunamis, and underwater landslides, aiding disaster preparedness.
  • Renewable Energy Support: Monitors subsea cables connecting offshore wind farms, ensuring reliable clean energy transmission.

A Game-Changer for Global Connectivity

Fiber optic sensing is not just the future; it's the present. By turning subsea cables into multi-functional tools, this technology ensures uninterrupted global commerce and communication while aligning with environmental and societal goals.

As the digital economy grows, fiber optic sensing will play a vital role in protecting and enhancing the subsea infrastructure that powers our world.

To read the complete article, check out Issue 139 of the Sub Tel Forum Magazine here

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