🇸🇬 🇧🇪 🇳🇴 Singapore: Subsea Trenches for Fiber Optic Cables
Belgian company Deep C and Norwegian company DOF are preparing to lay subsea trenches at depths of around 1000 meters to install subsea fiber optic cables (FOC) off the coast of Singapore.
The companies announced the successful completion of pilot tests using Deep C’s Trenching Skid work-class ROV, which were conducted at depths exceeding 1000 meters. The tests confirmed the vehicle’s capability to operate at such depths, effectively digging trenches in challenging seabed conditions.
Using subsea robots for trenching allows for minimal environmental impact compared to traditional methods, project participants noted. Additionally, the installation of FOC requires relatively narrow trenches, reducing seabed disturbance.
Practical trenching operations are planned to begin in Q2 2025 for a client in Singapore. As part of the project, the FOC will be buried, enhancing the reliability and protection of subsea communications.
