Offshore cables are used for electrical power, instrumentation, communication and handling of drilling fluids and oils. As such, marine cable manufacturers are integral parts of the oil and gas ecosystem.
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The marine cables used in the offshore sector should be able to withstand adverse offshore environments and provide high protection against fire and explosions.
Industry-leading marine cable manufacturers
Our Offshore Technology team has researched and listed some of the current industry-leading providers of cable management system solutions.
These include fibre-optic cables, data, energy and control cables, drilling and production hoses, and metal cable tray systems.
All our information and content is based on our team’s industry intel, sector insights and decades-long experience in the sector.
Our extensive list includes providers of submarine cable installation services, cable monitoring services, and offshore consultancy services for cable systems.
We also discuss a range of engineering and support services.
Within our rigorously researched download document, we provide a wealth of invaluable industry information for buyers.
This content is of particular interest and use to instrumentation and controls designers, offshore electrical engineers, electrical wire harness operators, lead instrumentation engineers, optical fibre engineers and telecommunication engineers.
This industry-specific download also contains some highly detailed information on the suppliers and their product lines, with contact details should buyers require them.
Types of marine and offshore cable
Cables are used for supplying power to the oil and gas platforms, transmitting data, and shore-to-platform and internal communications.
Offshore cables and cable management system solutions are classified based on the functions for which they are being used.
Some of the common types of cables used include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Power cables
- Instrumentation cables
- Earth cables
- Umbilical cables
- Hydraulic and production hoses
- Metal cable tray systems, and
- Downhole cable systems
Selecting marine cable manufacturers for offshore projects
The cables used in the offshore sector need to be strong enough to withstand rough weather conditions and corrosion environments.
Some of the features considered when selecting cables are listed below.
- Flame retardant and fire-resistant – Power cables and other cables used aboard offshore platforms and vessels should be flame-resistant to protect the infrastructure. In case of a fire, the cables should not burn easily or melt, which will help in preventing the spread of fire.
- Halogen-free – Cables should be halogen-free and should not include elements such as chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine as they can mix with other substances and produce toxic gases that are harmful to personnel.
- Mud-resistant – The offshore environment includes corrosive substances such as salt, water, and acid. Offshore cables should be resistant to the corrosive effects of such substances.
- Low toxicity and low smoke – The cables should not produce toxic gases or smoke when exposed to fire, as it can create choking hazards for offshore personnel.
Submarine cable installation & offshore cable installation
The installation of offshore cable systems is a highly engineered process and requires the use of special cable-laying vessels and equipment.
The quality of the submarine cable installation process is important as any faults or defects can lead to costly repair and maintenance activities.
For full details (including contact details) on the leading companies within this space, download the free Buyer’s Guide below:
Frequently asked questions
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What types of marine cables are essential for offshore operations?
Marine cables used in offshore operations include power cables, instrumentation cables, communication cables, umbilical cables, and downhole cables. These are vital for powering equipment, transmitting data, and ensuring communication between offshore platforms and onshore facilities. Umbilical cables, in particular, supply hydraulic fluids and electricity to subsea systems.
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What should be considered when selecting offshore cables?
Key considerations for offshore cables include fire resistance, mud resistance, halogen-free properties, and low smoke emission. These features ensure the cables withstand harsh marine environments, prevent the spread of fire, and reduce the risk of toxic gas release in case of a fire.
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How are marine cables protected from environmental challenges?
Marine cables are designed to resist extreme environmental factors such as saltwater corrosion, acidic substances, and rough weather conditions. The use of mud-resistant and flame-retardant materials helps maintain the integrity of cables in these demanding environments, ensuring long-term operational reliability.
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What is the role of fire-resistant cables in offshore platforms?
Fire-resistant cables are crucial in protecting the infrastructure of offshore platforms. In the event of a fire, these cables help prevent the spread of flames, maintain operational integrity, and protect critical systems. This feature is vital for ensuring the safety of both the platform and its personnel.
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How are submarine cables installed in offshore projects?
Submarine cable installation is a highly engineered process requiring specialised cable-laying vessels and equipment. Proper installation ensures the long-term reliability of the cable system, as faults or defects can lead to costly repairs and maintenance. Specialised techniques are employed to safeguard the cables during placement and ensure they remain operational for extended periods.