MacArtney and Elettra to instal subsea network off Italy’s Catanian coast

Italy’s underwater tech developer MacArtney and telecommunications contractor Elettra have partnered to instal and connect a new subsea power, communication and data transmission network off Italy’s Catanian coast.

The two partners will deliver the critical subsea infrastructure for the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), enhancing its capacity for environmental monitoring and research.

The scope of the collaboration involves installing and connecting a new subsea power, communication and data transmission network located 2,200 metres deep and 35km offshore from Catania, Italy, where INGV will strongly enforce its existing marine site as part of the ITINERIS (Italian Integrated Environmental Research Infrastructures System) project.

Commenting in a release was Elio Rubino, managing director of Elettra: “We are thrilled to collaborate with MacArtney on this significant project for INGV.

“Our combined effort ensures a robust and reliable system, providing INGV with the tools necessary for critical environmental monitoring.”

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In the partnership, Elettra and MacArtney will handle different but complementary responsibilities.

Elettra will supply the main electro-optical submarine cable (MEOC). Their scope also includes ensuring robust connections and managing the installation and testing of the complete system at the operating site.

MacArtney will provide the cable termination assembly (CTA) and a customised cable termination frame (CTF) as integral components of an advanced subsea sensor platform.

The CTF serves as both a distribution hub and connection point for the sensor platform, allowing for seamless integration of scientific instruments into the power network and efficient data transfer to and from the ground station, utilising hybrid ODI penetrators and ROV-mateable connectors.

At the heart of this platform is the medium voltage conversion system (MVC) and PBOF transformer canister, which are essential for its smooth operation.

The scope also includes a power supply and control system, a remote management system for INGV’s operational oversight and maintenance, as well as factory and site acceptance testing to check and verify compliance with the preapproved specifications.

Said Vincenzo Mauro, general manager at MacArtney Italy: “Our collaboration with Elettra marks a significant milestone in advancing INGV’s subsea monitoring capabilities.

“By combining our strengths, we ensure that INGV can rely on a powerful and efficient infrastructure for their research. Additionally, this project highlights MacArtney’s growth in delivering innovative underwater solutions.”

In a release, the partners state that their combined efficiencies will enhance INGV’s capacity to monitor and study environmental processes in Southern Italy and Sicily, regions known for seismic and volcanic activities.

As a key contributor to the ITINERIS project, INGV will be able to instal new multidisciplinary submarine observatories (including oceanographic, geophysics, and seismic sensors) on the final slopes of the Etna volcano at a depth of more than 2,000 meters in the southern part of the Messina Strait.

Said Davide Embriaco, INGV executive director of the Contract: “The realisation of this submarine infrastructure shall enhance the capability of real-time monitoring of our existing deep observing platforms, extending the range of measured observables.

“This action will provide access to unprecedented deep-sea experiments for the next 20 years, including a broadened spectrum of disciplines.”