The Future of Submarine Cable Maintenance: A Critical Investment for Global Connectivity

Submarine cable infrastructure, the backbone of the global internet, is experiencing a surge in investment. However, a new report by TeleGeography and Infra-Analytics, “The Future of Submarine Cable Maintenance,” highlights a concerning trend – the lack of focus on maintenance and repair capabilities.

The report projects a significant 48% net increase in total cable kilometers to be deployed in the world’s oceans by 2040. This growth is driven by escalating bandwidth demands and the imperative for network redundancy and resilience. Despite this expansion, by 2040, approximately two-thirds of cable maintenance ships will have reached the end of their service life, with about half of the global fleet of cable ships nearing this milestone.

Alan Mauldin, Research Director at TeleGeography, emphasizes the pressing need for investment in the critical infrastructure supporting today’s digital industry. He states, “This study illuminates the increasingly urgent need for investment in the global connectivity critical infrastructure—both submarine cables and maintenance vessels—powering today’s digital industry. Our goal with this report is to equip stakeholders with the knowledge they need to support a more secure, resilient, and future-proof cable ecosystem.”

Statistics from the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) reveal an average of 200 cable faults worldwide each year. With the growing number of submarine cables in service, the occurrence of cable breaks or faults is likely to rise. This raises concerns about the adequacy of maintenance ships to uphold service quality for the global internet.

To address the challenges posed by a rapidly expanding submarine cable ecosystem and an aging cable ship fleet, an investment of approximately $3 billion is necessary to maintain current service levels and prevent repair delays. This investment would involve acquiring 15 replacement ships and five additional vessels to support the global subsea internet infrastructure.

In conclusion, the future of submarine cable maintenance is a critical component of ensuring the reliability and resilience of global connectivity. Stakeholders in the digital industry must prioritize investments in maintenance vessels to sustain the vital infrastructure that underpins the modern internet landscape.