Fugro, a geodata specialist, says it has completed the first phase of its marine site characterisation project for Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) to support the trans-Pacific Bifrost Cable System.
The Bifrost Cable System is a new undersea fibre optic cable system that will connect the west coast of North America, Guam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore. The transpacific route segments off the west coast of North America have now been surveyed and the project will soon continue on the Indonesia segment through the Celebes and Java seas.
ASN is installing the cable system for a consortium comprising Keppel, Facebook and Telin to meet increased demand for broadband connectivity between the west coast of North America and Asia-Pacific.
As a geodata specialist, Fugro collects and analyses comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Fugro’s involvement is spanning the life of the Bifrost development, from initial planning and cable design to routing and installation.
Its work on the project began last November with a desk study to support permitting activities, followed by an ongoing geophysical and geotechnical campaign that will conclude in Singapore.
Fugro says its integrated acquisition, processing and analysis capabilities are providing ASN with near-real-time geodata deliverables to inform the cable manufacturing process and guide optimal cable routing and burial depth.
The Bifrost cable system is expected to be completed in 2024.