Space Norway & SubCom sign contract for world’s northernmost subsea cable system

Space Norway and SubCom have signed a contract to develop the Arctic Way Cable System, a subsea infrastructure project that will link the Norwegian mainland with Jan Mayen and the Svalbard archipelago. This initiative, reported by Offshore Engineer, aims to establish the world’s northernmost subsea cable system.

Spanning approximately 2,350 kilometers entirely within the Arctic Circle, the Arctic Way Cable System will feature a trunk-and-branch, repeatered design with direct shore landings in Bodø, Jan Mayen and Longyearbyen in Svalbard. SubCom will oversee the design, manufacture and installation of the system, producing components at its Newington, New Hampshire facility and deploying them using a polar-certified Reliance Class cable ship.

Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway, says the project is significant move in securing the country’s Arctic communications.

“Establishing the new Arctic Way cable system is imperative to ensure that data connectivity for the Arctic community is effective and uninterrupted for decades to come,” Tengs said.

Rune Jensen, Director of Subsea Cable Systems at Space Norway, mentioned that while the new infrastructure is being established, the existing cables to Svalbard will remain operational as long as they are functional, serving as a backup for the Arctic Way system. Although these cables are nearing the end of their 25-year service lifespan, they are expected to remain operational for several years beyond 2028.

The Arctic Way Cable System is scheduled to be ready for service by the second quarter of 2028.