Yesterday, we proudly hosted our annual Plenary Meeting, bringing together the entire Oceans & Cables team for a day dedicated to reflection, alignment, and forward planning. The central theme of this year’s meeting, “Stronger Foundations – Trusted Connections” captured the essence of our journey: Reinforcing what we have built, nurturing the relationships that sustain us, and setting a clear, shared direction for the future.

The day opened with a comprehensive review of the company’s performance and results for 2025, offering valuable insight into the achievements, challenges, and lessons that have shaped the past year. This was followed by key presentations on governance, internal rules, compliance, and health and safety, core pillars that underpin our operational excellence and commitment to responsible, sustainable growth.

We then turned our focus to our people. A dedicated session explored personal development and the training plan for 2026, including participation in industry events, conferences, and seminars. These discussions were complemented by updates on the evolving value and positioning of the Oceans & Cables brand, highlighting how each team member contributes to strengthening our reputation and visibility in the market.

Later was devoted to strategy. Management and senior personnel presented the company’s strategic vision and detailed roadmap of works for 2026 and beyond, outlining priorities, opportunities, and long-term objectives. These presentations reinforced a shared understanding of where we are heading and how collaboration across teams will be essential to achieving our goals.

A special moment of the day was the presentation of the “Sestante d’Ottone 2025” award, which was proudly awarded to Virgilio Scolaro in recognition of achieving the highest number of offshore hours throughout 2025, a testament to dedication, professionalism, and commitment.

Most importantly, the day concluded on a human note. Sharing meaningful time together over lunch reminded us that beyond projects, milestones, and strategies, strong relationships and mutual trust remain at the heart of everything we build at Oceans & Cables.

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.

The post Stronger Foundations, Trusted Connections: Plenary Meeting 2026 first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

WHITE PAPER – VERSIONE EDITORIALE

Sotto la superficie degli oceani, in una regione silenziosa e invisibile, scorre la più grande infrastruttura della nostra epoca: una rete di cavi sottomarini che intreccia continenti, economie, culture e storie umane. È un sistema immenso, delicato e cruciale. Nonostante la corsa allo spazio e il proliferare di costellazioni satellitari, è ancora nel buio degli abissi che passa la quasi totalità delle nostre comunicazioni digitali.
Molti immaginano internet come un’entità eterea e immateriale, ma la verità è affascinante: la connettività globale pulsa nella fibra ottica che attraversa gli oceani. Senza questo reticolo di vetro e ingegneria, il mondo moderno non esisterebbe

Un sistema nervoso planetario
La rete dei cavi sottomarini è una sorta di sistema nervoso digitale, flessibile e resiliente, ma non privo di debolezze. Le rotte transoceaniche più frequentate sono anche quelle più vulnerabili: il Mediterraneo orientale, il Mar Rosso, Malacca, l’Oceano Atlantico Settentrionale. Qui convergono interessi geopolitici, economie emergenti e tensioni militari che, talvolta, possono minacciare la stabilità della connettività globale. A ogni interruzione significativa corrisponde un frammento di mondo che rallenta, un mercato finanziario che perde efficienza, un servizio cloud che fatica a respirare.
Eppure, nonostante i rischi, la rete cresce. Si espande. Si rinnova.

L’età dell’oro della fibra
Mai come ora l’industria dei cavi sottomarini ha vissuto un’epoca così fertile. L’arrivo delle fibre multicore, dei ripetitori intelligenti, delle modulazioni coerenti e del sensing distribuito sta ridefinendo il concetto stesso di infrastruttura. I cavi diventano entità sensibili, dotate di percezioni diffuse del fondale, capaci di “sentire” terremoti, variazioni di temperatura, movimenti sottili della crosta oceanica.
Sono antenne planetarie, strumenti scientifici, e allo stesso tempo arterie di comunicazione. E poi c’è l’intelligenza artificiale: una rivoluzione dentro la rivoluzione. L’AI non solo ottimizza il traffico, prevede guasti, migliora la manutenzione. Diventa la mente che amministra la rete stessa, trasformando i cavi in organismi digitali intelligenti.

Dove il mare incontra lo spazio
L’immaginario collettivo guarda sempre più spesso verso l’alto, verso le migliaia di satelliti che costellano l’orbita bassa. Eppure lo spazio non è un concorrente della fibra. È un alleato. Nel futuro prossimo le reti terrestri, i cavi oceanici e le costellazioni LEO/VLEO dialogheranno con una sinergia ancora impensabile.
I dati scorreranno dove è più efficiente: nella fibra per gestire la massa del traffico, nello spazio quando la latenza dovrà essere minima, nelle reti 6G quando serviranno prestazioni sensoriali o olografiche. L’effetto complessivo sarà una rete planetaria ibrida, fluida, intelligente. Una rete che sceglie autonomamente il percorso migliore per ogni flusso di dati.

Dati, economia e potere
Ogni giorno il mondo produce più dati di quanti ne abbia mai creati nell’intera storia precedente. È un diluvio digitale che alimenta migrazioni di informazioni sempre più dense e pesanti: AI generativa, edge computing, smart cities, industria automatizzata, telemedicina, finanza algoritmica, gaming globale.
La domanda di capacità intercontinentale aumenterà di molte volte nei prossimi dieci anni. E questo tsunami di bit non può essere contenuto dai satelliti: serve la fibra. Serve il mare. Sara un sistema altamente integrato Terra-Mare-Spazio.
Gli hyperscaler lo sanno, e infatti investono miliardi in nuove dorsali private, modellando l’architettura stessa della rete globale. Anche i governi si muovono, consapevoli che perdere il controllo delle infrastrutture sottomarine significa perdere influenza economica e politica.

Verso nuove frontiere: Artico, Africa, Sud America
L’espansione geografica dei cavi racconta le metamorfosi del mondo. L’Artico sta diventando una rotta strategica grazie all’assottigliamento dei ghiacci. L’Africa vive una trasformazione radicale, con città in crescita, economie digitali emergenti e imprese tecnologiche affamate di capacità. L’America Latina si sta aprendo a collaborazioni globali che includono sia attori statali sia giganti tecnologici privati.
Sono le nuove frontiere della fibra: territori dove la connettività non è più un lusso, ma la chiave per sviluppare industrie, servizi, stabilità sociale e competitività internazionale.

La sostenibilità come nuovo vettore
Il futuro dei cavi sottomarini sarà anche sostenibile. La posa selettiva, la riduzione dell’impatto sui fondali, il riciclo dei materiali, la riduzione dei consumi energetici dei ripetitori, le partnership con istituti scientifici e ambientali sono ormai parte integrante dell’identità del settore.
Paradossalmente, proprio ciò che attraversa gli abissi può aiutare a salvarli. I cavi sensorizzati offriranno agli scienziati informazioni preziose sull’ecosistema marino, geofisico e geodetico contribuendo alla prevenzione dei rischi climatici, alla protezione della biodiversità, e del nostro pianeta in generale.

Il futuro: una dorsale intelligente per un pianeta intelligente
Tra il 2030 e il 2040 assisteremo a un scale-up. I cavi di nuova generazione trasporteranno capacità nell’ordine del petabit al secondo. Le navi da posa saranno semi-autonome, i ripetitori evoluti saranno piccoli processori AI distribuiti lungo tutto il percorso, i sistemi di manutenzione saranno predittivi e basati su digital twin oceanici.

Il mare diventerà trasparente ai sensori, e la rete sarà in grado di percepire e interpretare il mondo fisico che attraversa. La connettività smetterà di essere soltanto un mezzo tecnico, e diventerà un’infrastruttura culturale, sociale, politica. Sarà un bene comune planetario da proteggere, valorizzare e governare con responsabilità.

Un mondo appeso a un filo… di vetro
Il futuro della civiltà digitale dipende da ciò che accade sotto la superficie degli oceani. E nel silenzio degli abissi, dove la luce del sole non arriva, scorre un’architettura vitale fatta di fibre sottilissime e di ingegno umano. La vera rivoluzione della connettività non è nello spazio, nel mare o nella terra: ma nel sistema integrato Terra-Mare-Spazio. E il suo futuro è una promessa di velocità, intelligenza, sostenibilità e cooperazione globale. Chi saprà comprenderla e guidarla come aziende, governi, ingegneri, ricercatori determinerà non solo il futuro delle telecomunicazioni, ma quello delle società connesse che stanno emergendo in ogni angolo del pianeta.

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.

Whitepaper written by Dr Aldo Monaca, Director at Oceans & Cables Limited.

The post Oceans of Light: The Future of Submarine Cables in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Space first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

October has been an eventful month for Oceans & Cables, marked by our active participation in key industry events across Europe. From Sicily to Palermo and Liverpool, our team members took part in discussions shaping the future of subsea cables, offshore wind, and hydrography, strengthening our network and sharing our expertise within the international marine community.

1–2 October | ESCA Plenary 64 – Giardini Naxos, Sicily

We were delighted to attend the 64th Plenary of the European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA) held in Giardini Naxos, Sicily. As proud ESCA members, we look forward to these opportunities to engage with peers and stakeholders from across Europe who own, operate, and service submarine cables.

Representing Oceans & Cables were Alessandro Maiolino, Chief Technical Officer, and Ennio Ammatuna, Human Resource Officer. The two-day event offered productive discussions on regulatory frameworks, technical innovations, and environmental considerations affecting the subsea cable industry.

7 October | Offshore Wind Revolution 2025 – Palermo

A few days later, our team was present at Offshore Wind Revolution 2025 in Palermo, a key event focusing on building the offshore wind industry and preparing ports for the rapid growth ahead.

Our participation reflects Oceans & Cables’ ongoing commitment to supporting the renewable energy transition through subsea cable expertise and infrastructure development. Attending on behalf of the company were Daniele Bruccoleri, Client Representative, Alessandro Maiolino, Chief Technical Officer, and Ennio Ammatuna, Human Resource Officer. The event provided valuable insights into the future of offshore wind in the Mediterranean and the vital role of subsea cabling in enabling this transformation.

28–30 October | HYDRO25 – Liverpool

We were equally proud to be represented at HYDRO25 in Liverpool by Alessio Vespucci, one of our hydrographers. Alessio delivered a presentation titled “From Vespucci, Columbus and Magellan to the Modern Offshore Survey”, bridging the history of maritime exploration with today’s cutting-edge offshore survey techniques. This participation reflects our strong belief in nurturing the next generation of hydrographers and encouraging innovation in the field.

From international plenaries to forward-looking industry conferences, October was a month that underscored Oceans & Cables’ ongoing dedication to collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. We remain committed to contributing to the future of subsea infrastructure, offshore energy, and hydrography, continuing to build strong partnerships and share knowledge across the global marine industry.

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.

The post October Highlights: Oceans & Cables Across Europe first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

Redefining Resilience in the Subsea Cable Industry

From June 2–5, the Oceans & Cables management team proudly participated in SubOptic 2025, held at the Lisbon Congress Centre in Portugal. As the world’s longest-running and most comprehensive submarine telecoms conference, SubOptic continues to be a cornerstone event for the global subsea cable community, bringing together visionaries, engineers, academics, and industry leaders from around the world.

This year’s theme, “What’s on the horizon? Future-proofing our digital landscape,” directly aligns with our company’s mission to support the development of secure, resilient, and sustainable subsea infrastructure. At a time when digital connectivity underpins everything from global commerce to national security, the submarine cable industry is at the forefront of addressing challenges posed by AI-driven growth, climate change, evolving regulatory environments, and geopolitical instability.

One of the highlights of the conference for Oceans & Cables was the opportunity to contribute to the event’s rich academic and technical dialogue. On 4th June, Dr Gabriele Olivieri, PhD student at Sapienza Università di Roma, took the stage on behalf of Oceans & Cables to present “Redundancy ≠ Resilience.”

The presentation explored the nuanced but critical difference between redundancy and resilience in subsea networks.

Redundancy, often understood as the duplication of components to ensure system stability, is not synonymous with resilience, the adaptive capacity of a system to withstand and recover from disruptions without losing functionality.

If resilience is defined as the ability of a system to adapt to a state variation while maintaining functionality, it should be considered how among such state variations one should also include new cables, not only those that have been damaged or are no longer in operation. In conclusion, to optimise the degree of resilience of the global interconnection system, we don’t need more cables, but the right cables.

With society’s growing dependency on the Internet, the role of subsea cables as critical infrastructure has never been more vital. SubOptic 2025 posed a powerful challenge to the industry: to look forward and anticipate not just the technological advancements ahead, but also the vulnerabilities that come with them.

Oceans & Cables is proud to be part of this important dialogue, contributing our expertise and insights into how the global subsea cable network can become more agile, secure, and future-ready.

As we return from Lisbon, we carry with us renewed inspiration, valuable connections, and a deepened commitment to innovation in the field of submarine cable installation and consultancy.

To those we met at the conference, thank you for the engaging conversations and shared vision.

The future of subsea communications is being shaped today, and Oceans & Cables is proud to help build it.

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.

The post Oceans & Cables at SubOptic 2025 first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

In this special interview, we sit down with Virgilio Scolaro, our QHSE Manager at Oceans & Cables Ltd. Virgilio talks about his passion for Health & Safety in the workplace, the responsibilities and the challenges he faces in his role, as well all the satisfaction it brings along in such a fundamental and important role.

Can you tell us something about your background?

First, thank you Charlene for this interview. Working in the offshore sector has always fascinated me. I come from a family with a strong maritime tradition and, as for education, I got high school qualifications at the Maritime College in Pozzallo. I consider myself a lucky person because I do a job that I like, and I hope to be able to do it until the end of my career. After graduating in mechanical engineering, I gained experience abroad as a commissioning engineer for the construction and start-up of new power plants around the world. The dream of dealing with QHSE has always been alive, for this reason, after few years, I moved closer to home working as HSE manager for an important company present in Italy with several plants. After a few years, I decided to start a freelance career as a QHSE consultant and HSE trainer. An experience that gave me a lot and convinced me to take another degree in work and organisational psychology with a final work on the correlation between accidents and people’s behaviors. Years ago, I started an international career as a site HSE manager and, subsequently, I embraced the Oceans & Cables’ plan for professional development, trying to give my contribution to growing the company business in a new but rapidly expanding and fundamental sector such as QHSE around the world, onshore and offshore.

Can you elaborate on your primary responsibilities as the QHSE Manager at Oceans & Cables?

As the QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) Manager at Oceans & Cables, my primary responsibilities include a wide range of strategic, operational, and compliance-focused tasks aimed at ensuring the company adheres to the highest standards of quality, safety, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance. For example, development and implementation of QHSE Policies; embed QHSE principles into the company culture to ensure they are integral to daily operations; maintain up-to-date knowledge of local and international HSEQ regulations; ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements and maintain the company’s legal registers; oversee incident reporting systems and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to health, safety, and environmental performance; being involved in audits and inspections of QHSE management systems and assist the company during external audits by third parties. When it is required, perform site inspections and risk assessments to identify potential hazards, provide training for staff on emergency protocols to ensure readiness in critical situations, train employees on QHSE best practices, including safe work procedures and environmental sustainability measures. I also act as a mentor to promote continuous improvement in QHSE standards across the organisation, collaborating with other departments (technical and human resources) to integrate QHSE considerations into project planning and execution. This role is pivotal in maintaining Oceans & Cables’s reputation for delivering high-quality marine cable installation services and providing skilled manpower for onshore projects while adhering to stringent safety and environmental standards.

What are the most significant health and safety challenges faced in submarine cable installation and maintenance projects?

Submarine cable installation and maintenance projects (offshore and onshore) face numerous health and safety challenges due to the demanding environments and complex operations involved. These challenges can be categorised into environmental, technical, logistical, and human factors. These categories are challenges not only for us, but also for the project installation itself. I can give some examples of what we face normally during an offshore project. Regarding the environmental point of view, the most common risks induced from human are related to anthropic activities like fishing activities (70% of cable faults are caused by fishing gear, such as trawler nets, which snag on cables), anchoring (ship anchors dragging across the seabed are another major cause of damage, particularly in shallow waters) and last but not the least, sabotage and security threats. Technical challenges are also parts of daily business in submarine cable projects. For example, repairing damaged cables involves locating faults (often in remote areas), recovering the cable from the seabed using grapnels or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), splicing new sections, and reburying the cable — all of which require precision and expertise. The weather is a parameter that is constantly taken into consideration for the risks to which both the on-board personnel and the expensive components of the system during installation may be exposed. Storms or rough seas can delay both installation and maintenance activities. Human behavior and human factors are always under assessment, with no differences if we are challenging offshore or onshore projects. Personnel operate heavy machinery on moving vessels in challenging sea conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Tasks like cable splicing require extreme precision under strict health and safety protocols to avoid errors that could lead to costly disruptions. Heavy liftings require proper preparation, competent personnel and accuracy to avoid any type of incident.

How do you ensure compliance with international health and safety regulations in various offshore operations, especially when operating across different jurisdictions?

Every project in different countries is always a new challenge and inspiration to learn and apply something new. The complexity arises from diverse regulatory frameworks, the hazardous nature of offshore environments, and the involvement of various stakeholders. When I am assigned to a new project, I take time to prepare myself. At the beginning it is important to understand how to adhere to international and regional standards and regulations. Then, it is time to verify if the risk assessments together with mitigate measures are in line with the project requirements. Conduct thorough risk evaluations to identify hazards specific to each jurisdiction and operational environment. This includes analysing weather conditions, machinery risks, and emergency scenarios. After this first step, implement controls to minimise risks to personnel, equipment, and the environment. For instance, advanced monitoring systems can provide real-time data on environmental conditions. Regular updates and training could help also to comply with several international health and safety regulations. The secret is to be always active and proactive, looking for workshops, updates, documentations, new publications. Nowadays, in this digital era, it is easier compared to 10 years ago, to keep updated and in contact with several expertise and colleagues around the world, to discuss, compare and learn. You never stop learning!

Can you share an example of a critical incident or near-miss in your work, and how your team responded to mitigate the situation and prevent future occurrences?

As you well know, an event that has a very negative impact on a company’s reputation is a serious accident or injury. Fortunately, during my career and professional experience, thanks to the contribution and support of others I have worked with (let’s always remember that safety is and must be a team effort), I have managed to build and/or monitor and implement a system that took into account EHS events, from unsafe acts to unsafe conditions, including any near misses, with very few occasions for injuries. As already anticipated in the 30s by Bird’s triangle (Industrial Accident Prevention: A Scientific Approach by Herbert William Heinrich), the importance of identifying and improving near misses to proactively prevent accidents is emphasized.

In the past, after a near miss at the job site where I worked, following key elements to be highlighted that have been put in place not only the EHS team, but from the entire site team:
Quick and proper response, with their immediate action allowed for immediate reporting with details and information that allow for determining a root cause through the investigative process, the quick response from site team has been very important. When you are dealing with high-risk activities, response and reporting time plays a crucial role; proper mitigate measures to put in place, after the investigative process, I got the availability of the company management to follow up and allow the application of mitigation actions immediately (a point that is by no means a given in our work); refresher course for workers and EHS team, deriving from the mitigation actions undertaken. Sharing lessons learned within a company operating in different countries or locations is very important for the prevention and reduction of the recurrence rate of a near miss or an accident.

You are also responsible for the Bureau Veritas Certification at Oceans & Cables. Can you tell us more about this?

Oceans & Cables has been certified ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 for the activities of “Technical consultancy and project management services in subsea cabling, oil and gas, hydrography, geophysical, geotechnical industries” for a few years. I am very happy and proud to hold this role for Oceans & Cables as I believe that the company has had full confidence in me and in my professional skills for the activities concerning the renewal and maintenance of the certification of the integrated management system for Quality, Environment and Safety. What the company normally does in daily business, to implement and maintain the EHS management system, will be audited once a year by Bureau Veritas during the third-party audit. Bureau Veritas certification plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, quality, and compliance across various offshore projects. During the audit, following an activity program, documents and models that demonstrate compliance with ISO standards in the field of Environment, Health and Safety are checked. In my role, I’m also in charge to be one of the reference personnel of Oceans & Cables during the audit phases at our office in Malta. For me, this is not only a source of pride in officially representing Oceans & Cables during a third-party audit, but also a moment of professional growth seen in terms of improving the company and ourselves thanks to the input from the Bureau Veritas’ auditors.

Reflecting on your career, what motivates you to maintain a strong focus on health and safety in your daily responsibilities?

What I always repeat when I talk to others about my job and the responsibilities that come with it is that first, you must be truly passionate and believe daily in what you do and think positively about what you can do to improve yourself and get better. Then, there are other motivational important aspects that are the pillars from my point of view: Protecting colleagues, contractors, and visitors from harm during daily business. Every day, I am motivated by the knowledge that a safe workplace means everyone goes home to their families healthy and unharmed; be a leader for a strong safety culture to make people feel safe and motivated with their work in several environments; always ready to learn for continuous improvement, today is better than yesterday but worse than tomorrow! Each day presents new opportunities to make processes safer and more efficient. As an engineer and as EHS professional, I cannot forget my legal and ethical responsibility. Maintaining high standards in health and safety is about integrity and professionalism. Last but not the least is personal fulfilment. EHS is not just a job – it’s a commitment to making a difference, and that sense of purpose keeps me motivated every day. In summary, my motivation comes from a blend of protecting people, fostering a positive culture, continuous improvement, meeting legal and ethical standards, and personal fulfillment. These drivers ensure that health and safety remain at the forefront of everything I do. EHS is also a way of living!

Any tips you want to share to the younger generation that might be interested in this career?

Young people who want to gain experience and grow in the world of EHS must be highly motivated, have strong character, and are ready to cope with having a highly irritable bowel and losing their hair. Jokes aside, like all jobs, you must be willing to interpret them in a very serious and dedicated way. Even more so when it comes to a job where with your choices and indications you could put the lives of other people at risk, you must really believe in it. A career in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact on workplaces, communities, and the environment. Being a multifaceted and multidisciplinary role, I suggest pursuing a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as environmental science, occupational health, engineering, or public health. Consider certifications like Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or any other international chartered body or organisation to enhance your qualifications and competitiveness. Be humble and gain practical experience. On-the-job training is crucial for understanding workplace-specific safety protocols and regulations. Commit to Continuous Learning by attending conferences, seminars, or workshops to stay informed about advancements in the EHS field.

Finally, could you share a lighthearted or humorous episode from your time working at Oceans & Cables related to health and safety?

There is no episode that can bring attention, but I am always in the thoughts of my colleagues especially when there is a need to make fun of me for applying EHS principles in everyday practice. I still remember when a colleague, while walking around his city, sent me a video of a road construction site with comments and observations regarding the unsafe conditions detected. An episode, together with others, that not only makes you smile but also reflects on how important it is to raise awareness among people on important issues like these. Safety first!

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.

Interview by Charlene Sciberras to Virgilio Scolaro, QHSE Manager Oceans & Cables Limited.

The post Interview with Virgilio Scolaro, QHSE Manager at Oceans & Cables first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Pierpaolo Barone, the Purchasers’ Representative at Oceans & Cables Ltd. Pierpaolo offers an in-depth look into his responsibilities, the challenges he faces, and his perspectives on the company’s culture and future, especially as Oceans & Cables expands into the offshore renewable energy sector.

Can you describe your primary responsibilities as a Purchasers’ Representative at Oceans & Cables Ltd?

My primary role is to ensure that the work commissioned to contractors is carried out in accordance with the project specifications for which we have been appointed to represent the Consortium of purchasers or a single purchaser. Our main reference is the contract, anything outside of it and this chain of responsibility does not fall within our operational scope.

We interact exclusively with the contractor and do not have direct contact with other companies involved in the project. Our role can be summarised in one sentence: We are the purchaser’s eyes. This applies both to onboard activities and those carried out onshore. Our goal is to ensure that every operation is completed in compliance with the necessary technical and operational specifications to achieve the best possible result.

Since this is a 24-hour operation, our monitoring focuses on the most critical activities. Our work can be divided into two main phases:

1. Preliminary Studies
   These include all preparatory activities for cable laying, such as seabed analysis to determine the optimal route. In the specific case of submarine fiber optics, geophysical and geotechnical surveys are conducted, which may include core sampling and CPT tests. These studies are also essential in other contexts, such as the installation of power cables or the construction of offshore wind farms.
2. Operational Phase (Laying and Installation)
   During cable laying, monitoring focuses on key aspects such as:
   • Cable tension to ensure its integrity.
   • The passage of repeaters and branching units (BUs), which require special attention.
   • Specific operations such as cable head retrieval or temporary abandonment.
   • Any necessary repair interventions.

The goal is to ensure that all these operations are carried out in compliance with contractual and safety standards. Compliance with HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) procedures is essential to prevent accidents, delays, or, in the worst cases, serious consequences for the personnel involved.

All information and evaluations of the activities performed are compiled in the DPR (Daily Progress Report), a daily report sent to client distribution. This official document includes:

• Operations carried out during the day.
• The work plan for the following day.
• An hourly summary of activities performed.
• A comments section where we report observations and critical notes.
• Any incidents or anomalies detected.

Our role is not decision-making but observational and verification-based. We do not directly intervene in operations but monitor and document every phase of the work, ensuring that everything is carried out according to the required standards. Onboard, the figure of the Client Representative (the contractor’s representative) is our primary reference, and the DPR remains our most powerful communication tool as an official document tracking all performed activities. Most of the time, we attach diagrams and tables to further clarify the status of operations. In many cases, our role also extends to being professional consultants for Purchasers, who rely on our expertise and knowledge gained both through training received at Oceans & Cables and previous experience accumulated over the years.

How do you manage relationships with suppliers, and what strategies do you employ to maintain effective communication and collaboration?

Communication with clients is primarily based on two main tools:

1. The DPR (Daily Progress Report) – The daily report serves as the primary means of providing detailed information about ongoing operations. It is enriched with data, often accompanied by tables and explanatory graphs that help clarify both completed and planned activities.

2. Emails – Whenever doubts or disputes arise, clients reach out via email to request clarifications. Our response is based on detailed information provided by the contractor and supplemented by our technical analysis. Additionally, we ensure that purchasers are always updated by sending a nightly flash update email summarising the operations carried out during the day.

Our work does not follow a fixed schedule since operations take place 24/7. It may happen that a commercial or technical operation needs to be handled in the middle of the night; thus, we cannot adhere to a standard office schedule. Our availability is constant, ensuring prompt and effective responses, considering that purchasers operate in international consortia, distributed across different time zones. This requires flexibility and adaptability in communications.

In some situations, especially during beach landing operations for the cable’s onshore landing, we can interact directly with purchasers and local authorities. In such cases, it is crucial to explain the installation process and the various operational phases, considering that many local purchasers may not have direct experience with onboard activities.

Our task is to provide clear and detailed information on the work methodology, facilitating understanding and preventing any misunderstandings. If problems or misunderstandings arise with local authorities, our approach is always based on clarity and professionalism, providing the necessary data and documentation to ensure constructive dialogue.

When our work is performed correctly, providing comprehensive and clearly structured information, communication with clients and local authorities becomes smooth and collaborative. This helps maintain a relationship of mutual trust and recognition for the work done, ensuring successful operations.

What are some common challenges you encounter in your role, and how do you address them?

Our work presents several challenges, which can be categorised into two main areas:

Technical and Operational Challenges

Technical and operational difficulties involve both the execution of operations and contractual dynamics with the contractor. Since these projects are commercially driven, aimed at profitability, it is common for the contractor to try to optimise time and costs to their advantage. This can lead to:

• Accelerated or simplified executions of operations that, instead, require greater precision.
• Disputes over how specific tasks should be performed.

Our supervisory role often requires us to report these discrepancies, which are then handled by the appropriate offices, as we do not have direct decision-making power.

Another challenge involves bureaucracy. In certain geographical areas, obtaining permits can be slow or complex, causing operational delays. A frequent issue is the opposition of local fishermen, particularly during pre-laid shore end (PLSE) operations. In some cases, real sabotage occurs, such as placing obstacles in the ship’s path to damage the thrusters and stop the work. In such cases, mediation is attempted through a designated purchaser representative, who negotiates with the fishermen’s representatives to reach a compromise. Usually, the fishermen’s primary goal is to obtain financial compensation.

Other technical challenges include:

• Cable breakage during operations due to miscalculations on slack tension.
• Trawling damage, which can compromise the integrity of the cable after installation.
• Different operational requirements depending on geographical areas: the same operation may require different tools and techniques depending on the seabed type. For example, in rocky seabeds, a rock saw is required to cut the rock and allow the cable to be laid in an adequate trench, preventing excessive exposure or suspensions.

Logistical and Human Challenges

Logistical difficulties mainly arise from the itinerant nature of our work, which requires us to operate in various parts of the world, often in unpredictable conditions. Depending on the country, we may encounter security issues, including:

• Geopolitical risks or local instability.
• Delays in receiving equipment: in some areas, necessary materials may take several days to arrive, slowing down operations.

Another challenge can be language barriers. The local staff or crew may not always speak fluent English. In some cases, heavy accents make immediate understanding difficult. However, after a few days of interaction, communication improves.

Life Onboard

Life onboard presents additional challenges:

• Old vessels with limited space, which can make extended stays (over two months) uncomfortable.
• Food quality, which can vary depending on the region of operation. However, in most cases, requests are managed, and the contractor tries to meet the crew’s dietary needs.

The challenges we face are part of the nature of our work. The key to handling them is adaptability, both in interactions with the contractor and local authorities and in managing life onboard. Maintaining a professional, clear, and diplomatic approach helps overcome technical, bureaucratic, and logistical obstacles, ensuring the success of operations.

How do you collaborate with other departments within Oceans & Cables Ltd to ensure that purchasing activities align with the company’s overall objectives?

All departments at Oceans & Cables are closely interconnected to ensure an efficient and organised workflow. The operational process follows a well-defined structure, involving several interconnected phases:

1. Work Assignment
   • The process begins with a technical assessment and project allocation.
   • The individual responsible for the specific role is assigned.
2. Logistical Organisation
   • Management of travel and accommodation for the work period, both onboard the vessel and onshore.
   • Support during waiting periods before operations begin.
3. Technical and Documentation Support
   • Provision of necessary documentation for operational activities.
   • Continuous assistance throughout the project’s execution.
4. QHSE and Standardisation
   • Oceans ensures a safe and standardised service, guaranteeing quality and consistency across operations.
   • For this reason, an operational handbook has been developed, outlining key points common to all projects, ensuring a uniform service for purchasers.

To maintain a high-quality standard, we have implemented a series of procedures and formalities, including:

• Arrival notifications at the work site.
• Homecoming notifications, managed via pre-formatted email templates.
• Standardised templates for the DPR (Daily Progress Report) to ensure consistency in reporting.

Additionally, there is a strong focus on QHSE, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

All operations are supported by a remote assistance system, which provides continuous support for:

• Logistical matters.
• Technical and operational aspects.
• Document management.

What goals or initiatives are you looking forward to pursuing in your role over the next few years at Oceans & Cables Ltd?

The company has experienced steady growth over the years, with a strong focus on training and staff development. The company has invested both quantitatively and qualitatively, implementing:

• Continuous training and refresher courses to ensure ongoing professional development.
• Collaborations with industry experts, including university professors and professionals with direct field experience.

The strategic approach adopted has proven to be successful, allowing the company and its team to strengthen its market position and secure increasingly significant contracts with major clients in the industry.

The company not only provides internal technical training but also promotes the cultural and professional growth of its employees by encouraging further education.

Oceans & Cables operates in a constantly evolving market, with new growth opportunities driven by:

• Expansion into new sectors and technologies.
• The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into analysis and monitoring operations.
• A growing focus on cybersecurity, which is becoming increasingly crucial in a highly advanced technological landscape.

These developments open new scenarios, making continuous skills updates essential to effectively tackle future challenges.

On an individual level, the drive for professional growth is reflected in the desire to expand and deepen technical and theoretical knowledge. This is achieved through:

• Further university education, to consolidate advanced sector knowledge.
• Learning new roles and specialisations, with the goal of taking on increasingly strategic and specific positions.

Thanks to investments in human resources and the constant evolution of skills, the company is preparing to seize the opportunities offered by an expanding market, reinforcing its position and paving the way for new professional growth opportunities for its team.

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.

Interview by Charlene Sciberras to Pierpaolo Barone, Purchasers’ Representative at Oceans & Cables Limited.

The post Interview with Pierpaolo Barone, Purchasers’ Representative first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

On the 23^rd of January, Oceans & Cables held a successful plenary meeting, bringing together management and team members to review past achievements and discuss future plans. While many attended in person, some team members working onboard vessels or at project sites joined via video conference, ensuring full participation.

The event commenced with a registration and welcome coffee, setting a warm and engaging tone for the day. Director Charlene Sciberras delivered an opening speech, followed by an address from Director Aldo Monaca, both emphasising the company’s growth, challenges, and vision for the future.

A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of Oceans & Cables’ ongoing projects and milestones achieved in 2024, alongside strategic plans and goals for 2025. Chief Technology Officer Alessandro Maiolino and Chief Human Resources Officer Ennio Ammatuna also delivered insightful speeches, sharing updates on technological advancements and workforce development within the company.

The meeting fostered an open dialogue, with ample time for questions and discussions. Every team member had the opportunity to share thoughts on their role, experiences, and aspirations within the company, creating an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.

Following the formal discussions, a team-building activity added a fun and interactive element to the event, reinforcing teamwork among colleagues. The day concluded with a delightful lunch, allowing everyone to unwind and strengthen professional bonds in a relaxed setting.

The plenary meeting was a testament to the strong company culture at Oceans & Cables, highlighting its commitment to teamwork, innovation, and continuous growth. With clear objectives set for 2025, the team is motivated to achieve new milestones and maintain the company’s position as a leader in the industry.

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.

The post Oceans & Cables Holds Team Plenary Meeting first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

In the growing world of telecommunication infrastructure, submarine cables serve as the foundation of global connectivity, carrying nearly 99 % of transoceanic data traffic. Despite their critical role, the regulatory landscape governing these cables remains complex and, at times, fragmented. Andrés Fígoli Pacheco’s Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Telecommunication Submarine Cables stands out as a key book that clarifies these complex aspects. The book addresses the essential legal and regulatory challenges facing this critical infrastructure and offers practical solutions to enhance its security, resilience, and functionality.

Andrés Fígoli brings a wealth of experience to this topic. As the director of Fígoli Consulting, he provides specialized legal and regulatory advice on all aspects of subsea cable work. Mr. Fígoli’s academic background includes a law degree from the University of the Republic in Uruguay, earned in 2002, and a Master of Laws (LLM) from Northwestern University. His nearly 21 years of experience in submarine cable projects at a major wholesale telecommunications company, coupled with his role as Director and Member of the Executive Committee of the International Cable Protection Committee (2015–2023), lend him a deep and practical understanding of the subject matter.

Written with the intent of guiding cable operators, policymakers, legal professionals, and scholars, the book offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of the regulatory challenges and considerations surrounding submarine cables. Fígoli’s book serves as a practical guide, not merely a theoretical work, to help readers navigate the complex legal landscape of submarine cable operations. The author has gathered a collection of articles, many of which appeared in Submarine Telecoms Forum Magazine, and complemented these with in-depth examinations of court cases and specific rules from different jurisdictions. The book is structured into categories and sub-chapters, each focusing on distinct legal aspects such as ownership, installation, operation, and maintenance of submarine cables. This layout allows readers to easily find their specific areas of interest, making it both a reference guide and a holistic introduction to the field.

Fígoli’s book deals with several critical themes surrounding the legal and regulatory landscape of submarine cables, beginning with the urgent need to enhance the security and resilience of these infrastructures. He argues that the current international protection framework, rooted in an 1884 convention designed for telegraphy, is no longer fit for purpose. This outdated regulatory foundation, combined with the lack of coordinated international efforts, leaves submarine cables vulnerable to negligent damage, such as that caused by fishing or anchoring activities. Fígoli calls for countries to take immediate action to update their regulations to better protect these underwater assets. He suggests that governments, telecom regulators, and local navies should collaborate as part of a digital sovereignty strategy to safeguard these critical components of global connectivity. To further this cause, he proposes the development of a new international treaty, guided by the UN, to criminalize harmful activities targeting submarine cables – drawing parallels to existing international regulations in aviation and cyberspace.

The book also touches upon the intersection of geopolitics and business in the deployment of new submarine cables. Fígoli notes that some government strategies focus more on geopolitical objectives, such as establishing a country as a communications hub, rather than prioritizing the practical protection of cables from everyday threats. He emphasizes that countries aiming for digital sovereignty must diversify their suppliers of cable-laying and maintenance services to avoid over-reliance on any single provider, which could lead to vulnerabilities. While geopolitical concerns are important, Fígoli stresses that they should not overshadow the need for robust measures to address more traditional threats to cables, such as fishing activities and anchor dragging—still the leading causes of cable damage globally. He argues that these two perspectives, geopolitical strategy and practical risk management, are not mutually exclusive and must be balanced to ensure the security of submarine cables.

A major theme in the book is the growing dominance of Over-the-Top (OTT) players in the global bandwidth market. Fígoli discusses how these companies have come to control the major routes of global data traffic, raising concerns about oligopolistic tendencies. He points out that the current environment makes it challenging for new submarine infrastructure projects to proceed without OTT involvement, as their financial power and scale can easily overshadow the efforts of traditional telecom operators. The book critically examines the implications of this trend for competition and national digital sovereignty. Fígoli calls for more vigilant oversight from telecom and antitrust regulators to ensure a fair and competitive market, especially when it comes to forming submarine cable consortiums and negotiating long-term capacity lease agreements or Indefeasible Right to Use (IRU) agreements.

The complexity of contracts and regulations in the submarine cable sector is another area of focus. Fígoli highlights how legal, engineering, and sales teams within cable companies often struggle with the intricacies of drafting and negotiating agreements, such as cable landing agreements and the various provisions required by financial stakeholders. He describes how these challenges are exacerbated by the increasing interdependence of legal work, technical specifications, and commercial considerations. The book offers tools and strategies to help industry professionals navigate these complexities, reduce litigation risks, and achieve more balanced and secure agreements. It also addresses the evolving nature of litigation in this field, noting the rise of more sophisticated fraudulent schemes are emerging, involving actors like opportunistic landowners, local backhaul providers, or even fishermen who might exploit legal and regulatory gaps.

Fígoli looks ahead and talks about how the global submarine cable market might grow. He believes that new companies can still join as long as antitrust and telecom regulators keep the system safe from unfair business practices. He also advocates for the submarine cable industry to take part in maritime planning initiatives to ensure the coordinated and sustainable use of the seabed alongside other activities such as mining or fishing. He raises the idea of SMART cables, which integrate traditional telecom functions with marine scientific research. These cables offer additional benefits, such as early tsunami detection and enhanced cable protection measures. Fígoli views SMART cables as a paradigm shift for the industry but also emphasizes that they require a new regulatory framework to maximize their potential benefits while ensuring legal clarity and environmental sustainability.

A recurring theme throughout the book is the need to harmonize legal frameworks across regions to ensure the integrity of submarine cable networks. Fígoli argues that the fragmented legal systems currently governing these cables pose a significant risk to their stability and calls for a coordinated global effort to protect these critical infrastructures. He introduces three tests to assess the level of digital sovereignty in any given country, encouraging stakeholders to engage in open discussions aimed at improving policies and strategies. Additionally, the book explores Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as a tool for managing ocean activities in a sustainable way, balancing the need to protect submarine cables passing through Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) with respect for national rights and environmental concerns.

Overall, Fígoli’s book raises critical awareness about the environmental, legal, and competitive challenges facing the submarine cable industry. He critiques the practice of greenwashing, where superficial environmental measures are adopted without genuine impact, and calls for more transparent and meaningful sustainability practices. The book also provides practical recommendations for improving the legal frameworks governing submarine cables, from enhancing IRU agreements and Cable Supply Agreements (CSAs) to tackling antitrust concerns. It serves as both a call to action for stakeholders in the industry to engage in meaningful dialogue and a strategic guide for navigating the complexities of this critical infrastructure.

As the reliance on global digital connectivity continues to increase, the importance of the legal frameworks governing submarine cables cannot be overstated. Fígoli’s book provides a timely reminder of the necessity for robust, harmonised regulations that safeguard these vital infrastructures while facilitating innovation and international collaboration.

Article written by Aldo Monaca and Gioia Indelicato and published here: https://ihr.iho.int/articles/legal-and-regulatory-aspects-of-telecommunication-submarine-cables/.

The post Legal and regulatory aspects of telecommunication submarine cables first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

This year was a particularly special milestone for Oceans & Cables as we proudly celebrated our 10th anniversary. A decade of hard work, innovation, and growth has brought us to where we are today, and it was a moment of reflection and pride for the entire team.

But beyond marking our 10-year anniversary, 2024 has been a year filled with meaningful progress and achievements. We embraced a host of work commitments, strengthened our connections with long-standing clients, and built relationships with new ones. The energy and optimism shared within our team and through our collaborations have been truly inspiring, making it a year filled with positivity.

Reflecting on the past year, it is clear that 2024 was not only about celebrating the past but also about paving the way for the future. From tackling challenging projects to adopting cutting-edge technological tools, we have continuously strived to improve and adapt. Each project brought its own lessons, enabling us to refine our expertise and deliver even greater value to our clients.

Innovation has been at the heart of our success. Leveraging new tools and technologies has allowed us to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry, ensuring we provide efficient and forward-thinking solutions for submarine cable installation and consultancy.

As we close this chapter of our 10th year, our gratitude extends to everyone who has been part of our journey, mainly our dedicated team, our trusted partners, and our loyal clients. Without their support and collaboration, our accomplishments would not have been possible.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the opportunities the future holds. With the same passion and dedication that have defined us for the past decade, Oceans & Cables is committed to continuing its legacy of excellence, innovation, and reliability in the years to come.

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.

The post Oceans & Cables 2024 Round Up first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.

In October 2014, Oceans & Cables Limited was founded with a clear mission: To deliver expert solutions in submarine cable installation and oceanographic services. Ten years later, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our dedicated team, a group of professionals who have been integral to our success.

Recently, we commemorated our tenth anniversary with a team dinner, where we reflected on our journey and shared our vision for the future. Speeches highlighted the company’s direction, evolving alongside advancements in submarine cable technology and the marine industries we serve. From telecom and offshore energy to marine construction and ocean research, Oceans & Cables has made a mark as a reliable partner, delivering solutions that push boundaries and meet industry needs.

The past ten years have been remarkable, thanks to our dedicated teams both inshore and offshore, as well as our clients who have trusted us to carry out complex projects with precision and reliability. As we celebrate our achievements, we’re looking ahead with excitement, ready to innovate and expand further into offshore renewables and continue supporting our clients in telecom, marine construction, and ocean research.

Here’s to the next decade of Oceans & Cables, where every project brings us closer to a brighter, sustainable future.

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.

The post Celebrating a Decade of Oceans & Cables Limited first appeared on Oceans & Cables: Marine cable installation.