Survey for Arctic Way Soon To Be Completed
By Birgitte Annie Hansen, High North News
September 11, 2025
Bodø, Northern Norway (High North News): The seabed survey for the subsea cable Arctic Way will soon be completed. It will replace the old cable to Svalbard, but also establish a connection to Jan Mayen.
The current subsea cable to Svalbard was established in 2004 and reaches its estimated lifespan in 2028. Thus, the archipelago needs a new cable as the risk of errors and service outages will increase after 2028, in addition to the increased difficulty of finding spare parts.
Earlier this year, the Norwegian government entered into an agreement with Space Norway about the establishment of a new submarine cable connection to Svalbard. The project has a cost framework of NOK 2,8 billion.
The new submarine connection to Svalbard, Arctic Way, also branches out to Jan Mayen. As of today, the island has no seacable connection and all communication takes place via satellite.
A major military investment is currently taking place in Jan Mayen, including the construction of a new station at the cost of NOK 1,5 billion. Construction began earlier this year.
“The fiber cable is an important part of this investment in Jan Mayen,” says Space Norway's project leader, Pia Bruhn, to High North News.
In a press release earlier this year, the Norwegian Minister of Defense, Tore O. Sandvik, said the establishment of a subsea cable to Jan Mayen is important for strengthening the ability for situational awareness and overview in a strategically important area for Norway and the country's allies.
The strengthening is part of the Armed Forces' long-term plan.
Seabed survey
The seabed survey preceding the cable started in June this year.
Space Norway has entered into an agreement with the US turnkey manufacturer SubCom LLC, which will survey, design, manufacture, and install the cable from Bodø to Svalbard and Jan Mayen.
news via inbox
Sign up to get the latest updates straight to your inbox!
