Space Norway and SubCom announced that a contract is in-force for the survey, design, supply and installation of the Arctic Way Cable System. Credit: Space Norway

Space Norway and SubCom to Install Arctic Way Cable System

Space Norway and SubCom have recently finalized a contract for the survey, design, supply, and installation of the Arctic Way Cable System. This new system aims to provide essential route diversity to accommodate the escalating data traffic demands in the region.

The Arctic Way Cable System will serve as a crucial link for transmitting data between the Norwegian mainland, Jan Mayen, and the Svalbard archipelago. Stretching approximately 2,350 km in length, the trunk-and-branch, repeatered system will have direct shore end landings in Bodø, Norway, Jan Mayen, and Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Set to be the world’s northernmost subsea cable system, the Arctic Way project will be executed by one of SubCom’s polar-certified, Reliance Class cable ships. The installation will take place entirely within the Arctic Circle, between 67-78°N.

Benefits of the Arctic Way Cable System

“Establishing the new Arctic Way cable system is imperative to ensure that data connectivity for the Arctic community is effective and uninterrupted for decades to come,” stated Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway. The project aims to enhance communication infrastructure in the region and support future data transmission needs.

Rune Jensen, Director of Subsea Cable Systems at Space Norway, mentioned, “While establishing new subsea cable infrastructure, we will continue to utilize the two existing cables to Svalbard as long as they remain functional, serving as a backup for Arctic Way. Although these cables are approaching the end of their 25-year service lifespan, we expect them to remain operational for several years past 2028.”

Timeline and Expectations

The Arctic Way Cable System is scheduled to be operational by Q2 2028. This ambitious project is set to revolutionize connectivity in the Arctic region and ensure reliable data transmission for years to come.