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OceanIQ’s experts turn their market-leading, professional knowledge to regularly examine current industry issues…

When sediment becomes suspended within a mass of water and this increase in density causes the water body to begin moving downslope under the influence of gravity this is termed a turbidity current. These high-energy currents can form through several different processes but three of the most common are offshore of rivers during flooding events, […]
Deploying submarine cables involves several stages including route planning, marine survey, operational permitting, cable system design, cable manufacturing, marine lay and commissioning.  OceanIQ regularly support our sister company Global Marine, also part of the Global Marine Group, with consultancy and route engineering services related to survey and installation. Long before a single cable touches the […]
From the earliest stages of a new subsea cable project, understanding the pros and cons of utilising branching units or a festoon system is vital from a system design and cable security point of view. In many cases, the preference of one over the other will come down solely to the system design, but in […]
Massive volcanic landslides are some of the largest landslides on Earth, which have several potential primary and secondary effects on submarine cable systems. The main type of massive volcanic landslide is the flank collapse, which mainly occurs on eroding dormant/extinct shield volcanoes. Flank collapses can release up to 300km³ of material in a single landslide event. […]
Determining reliable cable ampacities for marine High Voltage Cables is currently the subject of significant industry and academic reassessment in order to optimise the operation (ampacity), design (cross-sectional area) and subsequent efficiency, longevity, CAPEX and profitability of both submarine power cables and their dependencies (Enescu et al, 2020). Ampacity models can be elaborate, and inaccuracies […]
At OceanIQ, engineering secure cable routes is the foundation of what we do.  Whether the project is an international telecoms cable, an inter-array cable for offshore wind, a HV power interconnector, a link in a scientific array or any of the many other types of subsea cables, having a cable that remains reliably in service […]
In an era characterised by swift technological progress and digital interconnectivity, it is paramount to involve and empower the upcoming cohort of young professionals in shaping the trajectory of our industry. This endeavour is not only crucial for the overall expansion of knowledge and expertise within our sector but also timely, given the pending retirement […]
For a quarter-century, GeoCable® has led the way in mapping, monitoring, and logging subsea cable installation and faults. Leveraging both current and historical data, GeoCable® assists operators in planning new cable installations, facilitating repair operations, predicting potential issues, and enhancing the overall reliability of subsea cable systems. This invaluable resource is essential for stakeholders in […]

GeoCable® turns 25

Monday 4th December 2023

Celebrating 25 years of exceptional data insight. The evolution of the submarine cable industry during this timeframe. For 25 years GeoCable® has been at the forefront of mapping, monitoring, and logging subsea cable installation and faults. GeoCable’s up to date and historical data helps operators plan new cable installations, support repair operations, anticipate potential issues, […]
Route Engineer James Rygate joined an interactive panel recently to introduce and refresh individuals to the subsea cable industry.

Hydrothermal Vents

Tuesday 18th July 2023

Hydrothermal vents are commonplace along mid-ocean ridges and hotspots. Vents are fractures on the seafloor that allow the transfer of energy and minerals through a hydrothermal system consisting of porous rocks or pre-existing planes of weakness, before being ejected into the water column.

Boundary Zones

Wednesday 12th July 2023

Marine boundary zones act as a focal point of hazards, such as: volcanoes; earthquakes; tsunamis; landslides; hydrothermal vents; liquefaction; and fissures, to name a few.
Earthquakes are commonplace along transform boundaries. Earthquakes can cause several hazards to cable routes: liquefaction can occur in seafloor sediments causing the cable to be buried deeper or exposing it at the surface; movement of sediment in landslides can damage the cable as deposition occurs; landslides can cause tsunamis which can also cause damage to cables.

Convergent boundaries

Tuesday 4th July 2023

The Mariana Trench is an extreme example of a trench created at a subduction zone along a convergent boundary.
Being an on-site representative for a cable project is an important role. It can satisfy important permit conditions but also allow for instant feedback to issues that arise, and facilitate communications.
Not only are eruptions difficult to predict - when and where they occur - but if a new fissure is created a cable could become suspended, suffer abrasion damage and there's the associated seismic damage that could occur.
The sea floor is constantly changing, whether from growth in flora and fauna, habitats, wildlife, human intervention or geological reasons.

Mastering the dark art of Permitting

Wednesday 15th February 2023

Chloe joined our Permitting team a few years ago but has already discovered the intensity of permitting for clients around the world.
Our Permitting Manager Alex discusses his experiences in managing the complex and varying role of permitting, for clients all over the world.
All of our our Route Engineers have a basic understanding of plate tectonic theory, and the by-products of plate tectonics, to enable us to safely engineer a subsea cable that will remain damage free long into the future.
Route Engineer James Rygate discusses the factors that developers need to consider when planning cable routes around existing seabed infrastructure
OceanIQ's MD Gail Clark, looks at the intricacies of the seafloor, and how important understanding them really is
Matthew West, Route Planning Manager, explains how OceanIQ’s data helps to avoid accidental harm to vulnerable marine mammals.

Uses of out of service cable data

Wednesday 10th August 2022

Route Planning Manager, Matthew West, looks at how OOS cable date is used to help the efficient deployment of new installations worldwide.