Cable Protection Advisory Services

Subsea cables play an indispensable role in everyday life, transferring both critical (and often sensitive) data and power around the world, 24/7/365. Submarine cables, in every sense, bring vital connectivity to an increasingly globalized world. Protecting this critical subsea infrastructure has never been more of a priority than it is today, and OSI provides expert advisory services and analysis to help cable system owners and operators to safeguard their cable assets against accidental damage, deliberate attacks and extreme environmental events.

Amid mounting geopolitical tensions, the +400 submarine cables that form the backbone of the global internet capacity are matters of national security as primary enablers of the global economy and communications. Recent news events have revealed that undersea cables are being intentionally targeted and attacked for political and economic reasons.  Additionally, undersea cable systems inherently are exposed to vulnerabilities posed by marine activities and natural forces, including major seismic activity.

While earthquakes and other undersea volcanic events can trigger destructive landslides and turbidity currents, breaking submarine cables, the normal tides and currents can cause damage over time where a cable is exposed. Also exposed or shallow buried cables are more vulnerable to fishing and anchoring events. Understanding the exposure and range of potential impacts to varying seabed conditions is step one in a successful cable risk planning and management program.

SITUATION AWARENESS & ANALYSIS

The conventional approach taken by system operators has historically been primarily reactive—that is, “We will purchase a quantity of spare equipment – when the system fails, we will fix it”. This is an operational philosophy which is outdated and exposes both the system owner and customers to significant repair costs, system downtime, and lost revenue.

OSI’s Cable Protection Advisory Service ensures that the system operator is situationally aware of the risk environment specific to their cable system and will provide the quality information necessary to make informed decisions to manage the risks.

Comprehensive cable protection starts with precise and detailed knowledge of the system , which includes having a detailed understanding of the specific risk profile and cost/benefit trade-off for a particular cable system, and the cable protection options that are now available, including the option to do nothing.

OSI provides analysis for existing cable systems and new builds, including:

Risk Analysis & Mitigation

Cost Benefit Analysis

Event Response Plan

Stakeholder Identification & Engagement

Cable Protection Options

Next Step Planning

Contact OSI

Reach out to OSI to discuss your system and let us design a cable protection program for you.

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