Getting connected underwater

“From the Norwegian fjords to the deep Gulf of Mexico, this new fiber cable termination is allowing our offshore customers more communication, control and monitoring flexibility.”

Naval to offshore

The idea of wet-mateable FO connectors originally arose from military needs (vessel detection systems); however the technology filled a real need for the offshore industry. Based on what Nexans had achieved in “umbilicals,” the CEM had to be easy to handle, stable on the seabed, operable at extreme depths, and capable of branching out a 24-fiber submarine cable in groups of 4, 6 or 8 fibers. This modular unit achieves all of these objectives and can even accommodate diverse cable designs and connectors.

No disruption to vital systems

Underwater installation can be done at widely spaced intervals without disruption. In addition, a Fiber Optic Termination Unit (FOTU) has been developed which provides a pressure-tight interface for up to three connectors and FO elements.

"Plug and play” on the seabed The Cable End Module (CEM) increases flexibility for offshore oil & gas by making it possible to quickly connect fiber optic cables and sub-sea equipment without having to cut cables.  This “plug and play” concept can operate as deep as 3,000m with a lifetime of 25 years. Easy reconfiguration New applications, retrofits and ongoing maintenance require high-speed data communications. This sturdy 6 kg integrated structure allows for the easy installation and reconfiguration of fiber optic connections on the sea floor using human divers or remote operated vehicles (ROVs).

New applications

Increasing demand for the remote management of offshore oil and gas fields has called for adjustable fiber optic links.  New applications include seismic monitoring, measurement of down-hole parameters, and operation of sub-sea production equipment.