11.04.2024

The first quarter of 2024 proved to be a whirlwind of activity for the dedicated team at Oceans & Cables, with ventures spanning continents and industries. Here’s a closer look at the highlights.

The year commenced with Oceans & Cables’ annual hands-on team meeting, setting the stage for the ambitious plans of 2024. This foundational gathering laid the groundwork for the months ahead, ensuring alignment and focus across the organisation.

February saw the team embarking on a journey to Italy, where we explored partnership opportunities and delved into discussions for potential collaborations within the Interreg Europe framework, specifically between Malta and Italy. Additionally, we made a significant presence at KEY – The Energy Transition Expo in Rimini, an esteemed event showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions in energy efficiency and renewable energies across Italy and the Mediterranean.

Continuing the globe-trotting activities, we ventured to Spain to participate in Wind Europe, a premier conference and exhibition dedicated to both on- and offshore wind energy.

As the calendar turned to April, the pace didn’t slow down for Oceans & Cables. With Brussels as the next destination, the team eagerly anticipated the Digital Ocean Industry Symposium. Following this event, we are off to Singapore for the ICPC event, organised by the International Cable Protection Committee. Notably, April also marked Oceans & Cables’ sponsorship of the THSOA (The Hydrographic Society of America) Southeast Chapter’s 17 Crawfish Boil 2024, reaffirming our involvement within the hydrographic community.

These bustling months proved instrumental in fortifying Oceans & Cables’ presence on the global stage. Through strategic engagements, networking opportunities, and sponsorships, the team not only showcased our expertise but also unearthed new avenues for growth and collaboration. As we look back on the first quarter of 2024, Oceans & Cables stands poised for continued success, armed with a strengthened resolve and a bounty of promising prospects on the horizon.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore renewable energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, Director at Oceans & Cables Limited.

26.02.2024

Many submarine cables are used for communication purposes and carry a large amount of data across the globe. In fact, most of the Internet traffic is entirely dependent on these submarine cables. With the constant rising demand for the Internet on a worldwide level, the demand for submarine cables is constantly and drastically increasing as well. In 2022, the world had 530 active submarine cables, in 2023, the figure rose to 552, and in early 2024 we are already at 574 active cables… there is an increase in number of submarine cables of 4% annually. This article will tackle the impact of such demand on the submarine cables.

Rising bandwidth demand refers to the increasing need for data transmission capacity, driven by various factors such as the proliferation of Internet-connected devices, growth in data-heavy applications like video streaming and cloud computing, and advancements in technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence. This demand is particularly pronounced in regions experiencing rapid economic development and increasing Internet penetration.

These undersea cables or submarine communication cables are essential components of global telecommunications infrastructure. They are laid on the ocean floor and carry the vast majority of international telecommunications and internet traffic. The impact of rising bandwidth demand on submarine cables is significant:

Capacity Expansion: As bandwidth demand increases, submarine cable operators need to continually expand the capacity of existing cables or lay new cables to accommodate the growing traffic. This may involve deploying more advanced cable technologies, such as higher-capacity fibre-optic cables and even new cable routes to better serve regions with high demand.

Technological Advancements: To meet the escalating demand for bandwidth, there’s a continuous drive towards developing more efficient and higher-capacity submarine cable systems. This includes advancements in cable design, such as improved transmission technologies, as well as innovations in network management and monitoring systems to optimise performance and reliability.

Economic Impact: The investment required to meet rising bandwidth demand through submarine cables is substantial. Cable laying projects involve significant upfront costs for planning, surveying, manufacturing, and installation. However, the economic benefits can be considerable, as robust telecommunications infrastructure is critical for supporting economic growth, trade, and innovation on a global scale.

Resilience and Redundancy: As submarine cables become increasingly vital for global connectivity, ensuring their resilience and redundancy becomes paramount. Cable operators must implement measures to protect cables from natural disasters, marine activity, and other potential hazards. Additionally, establishing redundant cable routes and interconnection points helps mitigate the risk of service disruptions due to cable breaks or maintenance activities.

Environmental Considerations: The installation and maintenance of submarine cables can have environmental implications, such as potential disturbances to marine ecosystems during cable laying operations. As awareness of environmental issues grows, there’s a greater emphasis on implementing sustainable practices and minimising the ecological footprint of submarine cable projects.

Overall, rising bandwidth demand underscores the critical importance of submarine cables in facilitating global communications and connectivity. Meeting this demand requires ongoing investment, innovation, and collaboration among industry stakeholders to ensure the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of submarine cable infrastructure.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, Director at Oceans & Cables Limited.

17.01.2024

Charlene Sciberras has been appointed as Director of Oceans & Cables Ltd. The new roles came into effect at the start of 2024.  

This strategic announcement comes just after the end of another successful fiscal year for the company, setting the stage for a new chapter of growth and expansion under the new board of directors of the company.

Ms. Sciberras has been an integral part of the company’s journey, spearheading all facets of marketing and public relations since its inception. Given her role in steering the company’s public relations through various milestones, her appointment to the position of Director is a natural progression, particularly as Oceans & Cables Ltd looks to broaden its footprint in Malta and extend its spectrum of services.

Bringing a wealth of expertise in marketing and communication, Ms. Sciberras also boasts a substantial track record in occupying diverse managerial roles across different businesses. Her comprehensive understanding of the business, coupled with her proven leadership capabilities, positions her as a valuable addition to the executive team.

Director Aldo Monaca expresses his enthusiasm regarding Ms. Sciberras’ appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Charlene to the board of directors. Her extensive knowledge, commitment, and proven expertise are certain to be significant assets to the company. With Charlene working with us, we are confident in the continued success and growth of Oceans & Cables Ltd.”

This appointment marks a strategic move for the company, aligning with its vision for sustained expansion and enhanced service offerings.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

11.12.2023

December kicked off with a flourish for Oceans & Cables as our director, Aldo Monaca, proudly represented us at The Malta Chamber event – the President’s Christmas Reception. This exclusive gathering set the tone for a month filled with enriching experiences and educational initiatives.

A highlight in our commitment to fostering industry growth was our engagement at the University of Messina IT, where we organised a seminar within the Department of Engineering. The focus was on underwater infrastructures, specifically diving deep into the realm of submarine cables under the theme “Subsea Infrastructures: The Cables.” The event not only showcased our expertise but also provided a platform to interact with the students, who embody the future of our dynamic industry.

Simultaneously, our dedication to continuous improvement was evident in the internal course we conducted on data processing. At Oceans & Cables, we prioritise ongoing education, organising specialised and focused training sessions for our team members. This approach ensures that our workforce remains at the forefront of industry advancements, fostering motivation, and, in turn, enhancing the quality of service we provide to our valued customers.

The team is currently exploring something intriguing. A new cutting-edge technology that revolutionises the way we collect data, enabling continuous, real-time measurements along the entire length of a fiber optic cable. The new technology goes beyond the traditional ways and will allows us to overcome certain challenges in terms of distances and environments. As Oceans & Cables remains committed to staying ahead of the curve, embracing innovative technologies to elevate our service delivery for our clients, stay tuned for more information about this in the near future.

As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to express our heartfelt wishes for the festive season. We extend warm Christmas and holiday greetings to all, including our dedicated team, valued readers, esteemed collaborators, and cherished customers. Looking ahead, we anticipate a year of continued health and success, with hopes that 2024 brings prosperity and new opportunities for all.

December has been a month of accomplishments, education, and technological advancements for Oceans & Cables. We stride into the new year with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, committed to navigating the seas of innovation and providing exceptional service to our clients.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by guest writer Ms Charlene Sciberras.

21.11.2023

The Oceans & Cables team recently concluded a dynamic and enriching week at the HYDRO 2023, Hydrographic Conference, held in the captivating city of Genoa, Italy, commencing on November 7th. Recognised as one of the paramount gatherings in the hydrographic sector globally, this conference played host to influential figures, and Oceans & Cables proudly stood as one of the main sponsors. Adding to the significance, Aldo Monaca, Managing Director of Oceans & Cables, assumed the role of head of the organising committee for this year’s edition of HYDRO 2023.

The field of hydrography, inherently multi-disciplinary, underpins a myriad of activities associated with the sea. The event attracted prominent personalities at the forefront of the industry, a testament to the collaborative efforts of individuals deeply knowledgeable about the ocean.

Aldo Monaca and other key figures echoed a unanimous sentiment regarding the conference’s resounding success. The gathering served as a platform for in-depth discussions on a spectrum of compelling topics, with a primary focus on personnel, remote operations, and, notably, the pivotal role of cables in this domain.

Oceans & Cables capitalised on the opportunity to share insights through a series of presentations. Alessandro Maiolino, the Director and Chief Technical Officer at Oceans & Cables, delved into the intricacies of submarine cables, explaining their global importance in the realm of communications. His presentation encompassed the critical aspect of safeguarding these cables against cyber threats, supplemented by compelling data on the vast network of submarine cables. Virgilio Scolaro, HSE Manager and Client Representative at Oceans & Cables contributed to the discourse with a comprehensive discussion on subsea cables, adding depth and nuance to the conference proceedings. His presentation focused on preventing damage costs to submarine cables: The importance of communication, sharing information and lessons learnt with local communities. Additionally, Sebastiano Messina, in collaboration with Poliservizi Srl, presented an insightful topic about the new generation of cables – Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications (SMART) subsea cables, used for observing the ocean, further enriching the spectrum of discussions. These SMART cables seek to revolutionise deep ocean observing by equipping transoceanic telecommunications cables with sensors to provide novel and persistent insights into the state of the ocean.

The diverse array of presentations underscored Oceans & Cables’ commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise within the hydrographic sector. The company emerged as a key contributor, facilitating a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field. Furthermore, throughout the week, the team joined a fantastic number of social events where they were able to meet up with various colleagues from the sector.

The aftermath of the HYDRO 2023 conference has injected a fresh wave of energy into the Oceans & Cables team. Buoyed by the insights gained and connections forged during this influential event, the team is poised and eager to embark on new and exciting projects. The conference not only served as a knowledge-sharing platform but also reinvigorated the team’s enthusiasm to continue pushing boundaries and contributing to the evolution of hydrography and submarine cable technology.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by guest writer Ms Charlene Sciberras.

06.11.2023

We are delighted to provide you with an update on the recent developments at Oceans & Cables Ltd. Over the past months, our dedicated team has been fully engaged in the continued refinement and expansion of our MakaiPlan Software, a state-of-the-art submarine cable route planning solution that represents a significant stride forward in our service portfolio. This dynamic software has been carefully crafted to meet the evolving needs of the industry and ensure the highest level of precision in submarine cable route planning.

In early October, we had the privilege of being one of the sponsors at the IEEE MetroSea Malta 2023 event. This conference served as a pivotal gathering point for professionals involved in the development of instrumentation and measurement methods tailored to the maritime environment. With a laser focus on cutting-edge technology for sea environment monitoring, metrology-assisted production within the marine industry, ship component measurement, sensors, and associated signal conditioning for maritime applications, as well as calibration methods for electronic test and measurement in marine contexts, the event was a hub of innovation and collaboration.

It is with immense excitement and anticipation that we announce our participation in the upcoming HYDRO 2023, Hydrographic Conference, set to commence tomorrow on the 7^th of November in the picturesque city of Genoa, Italy. Oceans & Cables is honoured to be one of the sponsors for this annual event, which promises to draw prominent figures and experts from the blue economy. The conference will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions and presentations related to the field of hydrography and its pivotal role in ocean exploration, positioning, and resource management.

Thanks to these activities, Oceans & Cables remains at the forefront of our work and demonstrates our unwavering commitment not only to our valued clients but also to the industry. Our dedication to protecting and preserving the sea and environment, which lies at the heart of the Oceans & Cables team, is the driving force behind our pursuit of excellence.

Our engagement with these industry events underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements while fostering valuable partnerships and connections within the oceanographic and hydrographic communities. These opportunities allow us to exchange knowledge, share insights, and further solidify our position as a leading provider of cutting-edge solutions in the offshore energy sector. We look forward to the exchange of ideas and innovations that HYDRO 2023 will undoubtedly bring and are dedicated to continuing to provide our services.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by guest writer Ms Charlene Sciberras.

04.09.2023

Throughout the summer season, Oceans & Cables has been extensively engaged in a multitude of activities and projects. Our unwavering commitment to service excellence remains at the forefront, driving us to continuously innovate and push the boundaries of industry standards. Concurrently, we have dedicated substantial efforts to forging new partnerships and diligently promoting our organisation. Here is what we have been up to recently:

Oceans & Cables chooses MakaiPlan Software

Oceans & Cables is proud to announce the recent deployment of MakaiPlan, a cutting-edge submarine cable route planning software that marks a significant advancement in our service offerings. The selection of this industry-leading software aligns with our commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our technical team and optimising our cable route planning and engineering processes. Under the leadership of our Chief Technical Officer, Alessandro Maiolino, MakaiPlan has emerged as an indispensable tool, enabling us to expedite project execution, streamline efficiency, and mitigate the risk of critical errors.

Dr. Salvatore Colombo has been entrusted with the pivotal role of Software Manager, overseeing the management and implementation study of the entire system in close collaboration with the Oceans & Cables Engineering Department. This strategic deployment of MakaiPlan has already found application in numerous projects, both direct and indirect, further solidifying our reputation as a leader in the field of submarine cable installation. We are dedicated to leveraging this advanced technology to propel our success and continue delivering exceptional solutions to our clients.

Oceans & Cables attends I-WAVENET in Malta

On the 18th and 19th of September, Director Aldo Monaca had the honour of participating in the esteemed hands-on event, I-WAVENET (Implementation of an innovative system to monitor the state of the sea in climate change scenarios), held at the Hilton Hotel. The event featured notable addresses from esteemed dignitaries, including the Rector of the University of Malta and His Excellency, the Italian Ambassador to Malta, among other distinguished individuals.

I-WAVENET focused its discussions on the crucial domains of microseism and sea monitoring. Throughout the event, a series of engaging dialogues and interactions transpired, facilitating valuable engagements with key stakeholders in these vital areas of research and innovation.

Oceans & Cables attends The Malta Chamber Summer Event

In September, Director Aldo Monaca had the privilege of representing Oceans & Cables at The Malta Chamber’s prestigious annual summer event, hosted at the picturesque Villa Bologna in Attard. The event, which held an attendance of over 600 distinguished guests, proved to be a resounding success. It offered Oceans & Cables a valuable platform for engaging with a diverse spectrum of local and international business professionals. This occasion served as an exceptional opportunity to conclude the summer season on a high note, fostering meaningful connections and reinforcing our presence within the business community in Malta.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by guest writer Ms Charlene Sciberras.

28.02.2023

The importance of protecting the global submarine cables infrastructure is a common global. This data cable network is a vital infrastructure since the digital world, such as the digital economy, digital services, military operations, and more are depending on it.

In terms of operations, regulations and protection, the undersea cable network is a complex setup of various operators: telecommunication agencies, coast guards, marine police, military protection, and others. The international treaty negotiations governing submarine cables date back to the 1884 International Convention for the Protection of Submarine Telegraph Cables. Nowadays this is part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). But as these cables lay underwater, they seem to be forgotten or taken for granted by policymakers as a phenomenon called sea blindness.

However, with the recent and ongoing 2022 Ukraine war, and various malicious and targeted attacks of sabotage, the submarine cable industry is receiving public attention. Submarine cables are under threat during wartime due to increased terrorism and piracy, for a struggle of power. This can be seen through the September 2022 events, when Denmark and Sweden discovered four major leaks because of deliberate sabotage in Nord Stream 1 and 2 in the subsea gas pipeline connecting Russia to Germany. Following this, Germany experienced another sabotage when fibre optic communication cables that were cut as a targeted action. Norway has also experienced further sabotage in its energy infrastructure by Russian intelligence services. And there is more.

Thanks to this wake-up call, the industry is undergoing a major shift as governments across the globe are recognising the importance of the subsea cables for communications, security, and digital economy. The protection of this core infrastructure has become more significant and is gaining seriousness in the geopolitical world where big politicians are now all in a race to protect their infrastructure. But this should not only be on every politician’s agenda. Service providers and suppliers to the industry should also contribute to the safety and security of these cables. As Oceans & Cables is a member of the International Cable Protection Committee, we share the same vision with them, to be recognised as the ‘Guardian of the Subsea Cable Infrastructure’ and is working to provide leadership, guidance, and a voice for the industry to promote awareness of the submarine cables safety and security.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by guest writer Ms Charlene Sciberras.

07.02.2023

The global submarine cable market size was estimated at USD25.50 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% from 2022 to 2030. One of the major factors driving this market is the increasing investments in offshore wind farms, amongst others of course such as the ever increasing data traffic. This is according to the Market Analysis Report by Grand View Search – Submarine Cable Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2022 – 2030. We know that submarine cables are widely used as a transmission mode of data, but it’s also important to know and understand that these cables are also widely used for power transmission to oil rigs and power generated from offshore wind farms to the power station.

The rise of wind power as an offshore renewable energy is an infinite energy source with a potential to supply large amount of green sustainable energy. And as the world is trying to tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gases, offshore wind power plays an important role in the electricity generation. Progressively, the growth of offshore winds farms is expected to fuel the renewable energy sectors as more countries become aware of this opportunity and governments get ready to invest in it.

More wind farms only mean more demand for submarine cables solutions. As offshore wind continues to move further away from land to reach a fuller potential with stronger and consistent winds, the submarine cabling systems are gaining more importance in the wind power sector not only due to the need of connecting bigger turbines to one another in larger distances but also in deeper waters and connecting the far-away offshore substations to the onshore stations. This is why the submarine cables for the offshore wind power is getting more sophisticated and complex, thus outlining the importance of submarines cables for the offshore wind energy supply.

Undoubtedly, as wind power generation is leading as the new renewable energy solution, the submarine cables are gaining even more importance in this sector and are being transformed into something more dynamic to reflect this industry. In the meantime, all these critical infrastructures -telecommunication and power cables, pipelines, wellheads from O&G, and so on – need to be protected and watched over by the international community with rules, technology, and respect because they are a common global.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by guest writer Ms Charlene Sciberras.

12.12.2022

The telecommunication infrastructure across the world is huge. Made up of cables on land and under the ocean, this infrastructure serves a wide range of uses to provide data transmission.

As outlined in our previous blog post, Our Globe, our Oceans and Submarine Cables, we are living in a digital age: Big data, high speed Internet, demand for higher bandwidth globally, requires strong connectivity between data centres thus raising the importance of submarine cables within the telecom sector. Big politicians are all in a race to achieve technological growth. Digitalisation and technological innovation are on every politician’s agenda, and countries want to be on the forefront of the digital world to control and win the power. This is only possible thanks to the huge network of submarine cables. These connectivity cables have been in use for over many years and despite undergoing through a major shift throughout the years thanks to technological advancements, there is still a way for growth, especially in certain regions of the world.

Recently, Oceans & Cables Director Mr Aldo Monaca, held a presentation on Submarine Cables in Africa: A Network of New Developments, at HYDRO22, an event held in early December in Monaco. During this presentation, Mr Monaca outlined how the African continent where the telecommunications infrastructure is underdeveloped, represent a significant investment opportunity for the international submarine cable market that can also be a fundamental driver of socio-economic development. The presentation defined the geopolitical background, growth opportunities, economic impact, monitoring needs and hydrospatial information systems for the African continent. Africa is currently surrounded by cables already installed by the large submarine cable consortia, which connect African countries with other continents. The potential of the African digital market is huge and to achieve results, significant investments are needed in infrastructures, including submarine cables, which allow connectivity to the Internet. Currently, Africans do not have affordable, reliable, and good quality Internet access and this poor connectivity hampers economic growth, poverty reduction, human development, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. In his presentation Mr Monaca concluded that Africa needs better connectivity infrastructures not only considering current gaps, but especially of future ones. The researchers involved in this study firstly presented at HYDRO22 in Monaco – Submarine Cables in Africa: A Network of New Developments – are Mr Sebastiano Messina, Mr Alessandro Maiolino, Mr Ennio Ammatuna, Ms Gioia Alessia Chiara Grazia Indelicato, Ms Delia Burnic and Mr Aldo Monaca himself.

In an international sphere, connectivity, increased volume, and data sensitivity sent through underwater submarine cables has become critical and need to be protected and secured within the international relations dynamics. International organisations and states need to proactively work together to ensure that this sector is run responsibly and safely.

Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.

Article written by guest writer Ms Charlene Sciberras.