Seabed warfare and protection of subsea infrastructure
The strategic importance of the seas
Our seas play an increasingly strategic role in the global economy and connectivity. Nations have clear interests in keeping trade routes secure and accessible, as well as protecting valuable fishing grounds. Another priority is the growing development of offshore wind farms, which help support the shift toward cleaner energy sources. Yet what's beneath the waves also matters greatly: vital undersea infrastructure keeps our energy supplies running smoothly, and with the rise of digitalisation, submarine communication cables have become crucial for transmitting data around the world.
The impact of seabed warfare
As global communication continues to expand, more subsea cables and infrastructure are required, which has led to an increase in cable breaks. Most of these incidents are caused by fishing trawlers and ships dragging their anchors, but also environmental factors like earthquakes.
Malicious intent cannot be entirely ruled out either, given that a single cable break can have significant economic, societal, and security consequences.
With the seas playing an increasingly vital role and geopolitical tensions on the rise, seabed warfare has become a notable risk. Disruptions on the seabed can result in:
- communication blackouts
- energy supply interruptions
- and the exposure of strategic vulnerabilities.
Consequently, as global tensions escalate, the protection of data and power cables - as well as the infrastructure needed for oil and gas extraction and transport - has become a high priority for governments.
How Royal IHC contributes to seabed security
Royal IHC designs, builds and delivers advanced, reliable solutions that help protect and reinforce subsea infrastructure. Our capabilities focus on four key areas: inspection, detection, repair and protection.
Inspection
Experience reliable and streamlined underwater operations with our launch and recovery systems (LARS), designed for easy use and precise control. Whether you're inspecting cables, pipelines, or offshore structures, our systems - compatible with ROVs, AUVs, and towed equipment - make your missions more efficient and accurate. With hydrographic surveying and sonar seabed imaging, you gain the tools needed to confidently design, plan, and execute every inspection with exceptional precision.
Detection
Benefit from improved operational safety with our technology. ROVs and AUVs detect and identify foreign objects such as eavesdropping devices or explosives at an early stage, reducing operational risk. Our custom launch and recovery systems ensure safe and efficient deployment, while advanced sensors help identify potential threats. When equipped with survey, sensor or sonar tools, our Hi-Traq® trencher adds flexibility and control to complex underwater projects.
Repair
Fast cable repair is critical when damage occurs. We provide containerised solutions for rapid response, including:
- containerised linear cable engines: for handling, laying and retrieving fiber optic communication/telecom cables
- cable lay spread: full spectrum of integrated lay equipment; cable drum engine, linear cable engine, hydraulic power unit and cable transporter, winches
- subsea vehicles like Hi-Traq® trencher: efficient tools for retrieval of damaged cable
- launch & recovery systems: for the safe deployment and retrieval of ploughs, trenchers, ROVs and AUVs. All our LARS are designed to maximise availability and minimise operational costs.
Protection
Deeper burial of subsea cables reduces the risk of damage from fishing activity, anchors and sabotage. This requires proven trenchers and ploughs with reliable technical performance. We offer a full range of trenchers and ploughs for the safe installation and protection of power and fibre optic cables. Our solutions operate across different water depths and seabed conditions and can be upgraded throughout their service life to meet changing project requirements.
How can we support your mission?
Learn more about our solutions for cable burial and repair.