Evolving Strategies for Subsea Cable Security
and around UK waters. The operation was considered part of a Russian bluff while other specialist vessels conducted nefarious activities near critical underwater infrastructure.Incidents like these continue to spark industry comment, and this week Iain Grainger, Chief Executive of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), said: “What we are seeing reflects a broader trend: subsea infrastructure is becoming more exposed and more strategically important. These are the systems that support communications, energy supply, and financial markets. When they are disrupted, the effects are immediate
European Consortium Targets Marine Noise from Offshore Wind Projects
A group of European offshore wind and marine engineering companies has launched a consortium to develop technology aimed at reducing underwater noise from offshore construction.The Searénité consortium brings together Chantiers de l’Atlantique, EDF power solutions, Heerema Marine Contractors, Menck, RTE, Sealence and Smulders.The group aims to develop a noise mitigation system tailored to offshore wind installations, where activities such as piling and vessel operations can affect marine ecosystems.The project will focus on adapting SubSea Quieter, a patented technology developed
IMCA Enhances Digital Learning Hub
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has announced it has launched IMCA Skills, their leading, digital, learning hub, which will now be the go-to place for the marine industry’s competence and development needs.The first product on the new platform is the migration of the Dynamic Positioning continuing professional development learning program which is designed to be the first step in bringing all their CPD content together in the secure and easy-to-use platform which will offer improved learning and user experience.It is designed to make professional development simpler
Red Sea Cable Cuts Emphasize Infrastructure Resilience
heightened regional tensions and follows warnings from governments that subsea infrastructure could be targeted.“The Red Sea cable cuts show that subsea infrastructure is no longer a background issue, it is frontline critical," said Iain Grainger, Chief Executive of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). "When cables fail, nations lose connectivity, financial flows are interrupted, and economies feel the shock immediately. This sector is now more critical than ever to global security and stability.”Subsea cables carry 99 per cent of the world’s internet
Subsea Cable Industry Warns of Repair Gaps in Europe’s Digital and Energy Networks
Europe’s subsea cable infrastructure, the backbone of its digital economy and energy transition, is facing mounting risks from geopolitical tension, climate impacts, and lack of preparedness. In a joint position statement, the European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) have warned that regulatory barriers, a shortage of skilled offshore workers and the lack of readily available solutions are compromising the continent’s ability to repair damaged cables.The statement comes in response to the European Commission’s Cable Security
Topside for Hollandse Kust (west Beta) Substation Set to Sail to Final Location
(west Beta) substation platform is ready to leave the port of Hoboken near Antwerp in the Netherlands for its final North Sea destination.The topside is schedule to leave the Dutch port on May 17, on a floating pontoon via the Scheldt and the Western Scheldt towards the North Sea.As soon as Heerema Marine Contractors’ installation vessel Sleipnir has completed its current job in British waters, it will sail to the coast of North Holland to start the installation operation.The superstructure of the transformer platform, weighing over 3,500 tonnes, will be installed 50 kilometers off the coast of Egmond
UK Companies Honored at Subsea Expo Awards
support services provider recognized for exceptional business performance and industry leadership.Outstanding Contribution Award: Steve Sheppard, Helix Well Ops – Celebrated for a 40-year career dedicated to diving health and safety, including leadership roles in the International Marine Contractors Association
Installation of Hollandse Kust (west Beta) Export Cables in Full Swing
a 9-kilometer-long 66kV interconnector cable between the TenneT projects Hollandse Kust (west Alpha) and Hollandse Kust (west Beta) offshore connector platforms, the company said earlier.The 700 MW Hollandse Kust West Beta offshore wind farm is expected to enter service in 2025.In May, Heerema Marine Contractors installed the jacket for the Hollandse Kust (west Beta) offshore substation on the seabed off the North Holland coast on behalf of the grid operator TenneT.Hereema Installs Jacket for Hollandse Kust (west Beta) Offshore SubstationHollandse Kust West Beta Export Cables to Come Ashore Next Wee
Fugro's ROV Training Course Gets IMCA Approval
Fugro's remotely operated vehicle (ROV) introductory training course has received International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) approval in what has been described as a 'world-first endorsement.'According to Fugro, the IMCA approval ensures that only appropriately trained and competent individuals enter the ROV industry, helping to maintain high safety standards and quality services to clients."Participants will have the opportunity to attend the course in person at Fugro's recently opened ROV Training Centre of Excellence – a part of the Fugro Academy Training Centre
February 2026
