How repair preparedness can stimulate resilient and diversified fibre optic cable systems

ongoing

This project studies a concept for repair preparedness of submarine cables in the Baltic Sea. The concept will be expandable to areas within the EU with similar constraints e.g. the Adriatic Sea. The study aims to address critical gaps in the security, resilience, and repair capabilities of submarine cable networks within the European Union. The proposed solutions involves developing a robust and cost effective approach to cable repairs, enhancing technician training and certification and creating a proof of concept for handling advanced repeated cables and sensors. Four areas are identified: availability of vessels to perform repairs; training and certification of the technical staff; availability of cable-neutral repair joints supporting SMART cables and sensors; and assessment of the potential of scaling this approach and replicating it in other EU regions. Studies will contribute to develop a robust and cost-effective approach to cable repairs, in line to the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/779 and the White Paper on digital infrastructure.