By far the most common cause of failure in sea floor cable systems is damage from fishing or ship anchors. Most ocean cable systems can be designed so that, left undisturbed, they will last for many years without degradation. However, the high demand for food from the ocean and the steady growth of maritime commerce create an extremely hazardous environment for sea floor and other ocean cable systems, particularly in the littoral.

Even without fishing threats, there can be serious risks from marine biologic hazards (fish bite), abrasion from strumming or wave action, and related sources of damage.

SST staff led the development of data sources and methodology for predicting and improving the survivability of sea floor cables. SST has the experience to update and methodically apply complex data sources to predict cable survivability - and then recommend the most effective ways to maximize it. SST is the U.S. Navy’s primary source for cable system survivability analysis and planning.

We specialize in the design and installation of complex ocean systems for long-life, unattended operation, whether on the surface, mid-water or on or below the seafloor. We work with teams of sensor developers, signal processors, surveyors, vessel and ROV operators, environmental consultants and other activities to provide our clients with system segment or complete turn-key solutions.