SUBCO weighs cable ship investment and survey drone

A ship capable of installing and repairing submarine cables is under consideration at SUBCO, along with an uncrewed survey drone. Founder and co-CEO Bevan Slattery said the ship could arrive by the end of 2029, depending on when a purchase decision is made.

At Brisbane’s AusNOG conference, Slattery estimated a cost of around US$165 million (A$236 million) for the cable vessel, with remotely operated vehicles and cable-burying ploughs included. He expected to seek contributions towards the cost from the Australian and US governments.

His preference was for a newly built ship because of its reliability and fuel efficiency, and for a trusted partner to operate it. Slattery said an Australian-based vessel could give greater certainty that cable installation and repair services would be available beyond 2030.

December 2027 is a possible delivery date for the uncrewed surface vessel. Slattery envisaged outsourcing its operation and maintenance. SUBCO’s presentation identified cable-route surveying, marine biology and ecological experiments as possible uses.

Regional repairs currently involve contributions from cable operators through the South Pacific Marine Maintenance Agreement. The number of operators covered is set to decline after 2030 as replacement cables are built and operated by fewer companies, potentially threatening the arrangement’s continuity. SUBCO has several international cable routes under construction using its APX name.