Fugro Finishes First Phase on Alcatel Submarine Networks’ Transpacific BiFrost Cable System

Fugro has completed the first phase of its marine site characterisation project for Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) to support the BiFrost Cable System, 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 trusted partner to ASN, Fugro’s involvement is spanning the life of the development, from initial planning and cable design to routing and installation. Their 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’s integrated acquisition, processing and analysis capabilities are providing ASN with near-real-time Geo-data deliverables to inform the cable manufacturing process and guide optimal cable routing and burial depth.

“We are very pleased to again be working with ASN on the BiFrost Cable System, a major cable infrastructure project, which marks another milestone in our well-proven strategic partnership,” said Malte Cesson, Fugro’s Commercial Manager for Marine Site Characterisation in Bremen, Germany. “By delivering reliable, high-quality Geo-data in a safe and efficient manner, we are helping ASN and their customers better connect businesses and citizens across the globe.”