How To Turn System Data Into Subsea-Ready Cable Designs

Designing a subsea cable system starts long before the first drawing or material choice. It begins with understanding how your technology behaves in the real world — the movements, loads, constraints and ambitions that define its mission offshore. The ocean is unforgiving, and if cable requirements aren’t clear from the start, you risk delays, redesigns and unnecessary cost.

That’s why a structured, engineering-first approach matters. By translating system behavior into cable requirements early, you set the foundation for a robust design, smoother integration and reliable performance at sea. In this article, we break down the four essential steps that help project teams turn raw system data into durable, subsea-ready cable solutions.

1. Gathering critical data

Effective cable design begins with accurate data, emphasizing the need to comprehend how your model operates under harsh sea conditions. You should establish a collaborative foundation by assessing potential movements and stresses and combining models and possibly the potential expertise of a valued partner such as DeRegt Cables. This essential step ensures you develop a cable tailored to meet the strict demands of the marine environment.

2. Specifying cable requirements 

With the required data in hand, you are able to define the cable's specifications. You should filter through every detail to establish precise requirements. Leveraging our expertise, we provide various solutions to address your connectivity needs effectively. Our engineers, skilled in offshore deep-sea cable design, collaborate closely with you to ensure the chosen approach is both practical and efficient for your device.

3. Prototyping and testing

Risk reduction is a vital part of our process, which means precisely testing every assumption you’ve made from the data. Although crucial, cables are often the most susceptible to damage. A lack of proper protection, the impact of external forces, or extreme bending can quickly compromise a cable's integrity.

Ideally, you’d test a cable prototype under actual sea conditions to exclude any issues. However, real-world conditions in renewable projects often rule this possibility out. That's where the experience of a partner comes into play. 
We can simulate and advise on critical parameters, drawing on our extensive background and real-world experience. This ensures your confidence in the cable’s performance, even without sea trials. 

4. Deployment and maintenance

Starting with design and testing is just the beginning. The most significant challenge comes when you deploy the cable in the sea. This task is challenging, even for specialists with many years of experience, and it gets trickier when connecting the cable ends. Trying to do this part yourself is risky and can lead to problems. 

Having an experienced partner to help with your project from data collection, design to the final installation is crucial to avoid any loss in time or budget. Their know-how is critical to ensuring your cable works well and lasts, keeping your project safe from start to finish.  Are you curious about the critical groundwork that needs to be laid before undertaking these four key steps?

Download our Use Case to uncover the essential actions and insights that pave the way for effective cable design. Gain a detailed perspective on how to navigate the complexities of offshore engineering, ensuring your project is not just a vision but a reality.