
Cable protection systems are designed to safeguard cables from damage, wear, and tear, ensuring optimal performance and extending their lifespan. A well-designed cable protection system can prevent costly repairs and downtime.
Cables are often exposed to harsh environments, such as outdoor conditions, which can cause damage and degradation over time. Cable protection systems can mitigate these effects by providing a protective barrier.
Proper cable management is crucial for optimal performance, and cable protection systems play a significant role in achieving this goal. By protecting cables from mechanical stress, moisture, and other environmental factors, cable protection systems help maintain cable integrity.
Recommended read: SMART Cables
Design and Installation
A well-designed cable protection system is essential for protecting cables from damage and ensuring smooth network performance.
The system's design should take into account the type of cable being protected, with different types requiring different levels of protection.
A popular design choice is to use a cable tray system, which can be installed in a variety of configurations to fit different spaces.
Cable trays are often made of durable materials like steel or aluminum, and can be secured to the floor or ceiling for added stability.
When selecting a cable tray system, consider the weight capacity and adjustability of the system to ensure it can accommodate future cable upgrades.
Proper installation of the cable protection system is just as important as the design, and should be done by a qualified professional to ensure a secure and safe installation.
The installation process typically involves securing the cable tray to the floor or ceiling, and then routing the cables through the tray to protect them from damage.
It's essential to follow all local building codes and regulations when installing a cable protection system to ensure compliance and safety.
For more insights, see: B and O Telephone
Components and Accessories
For a cable protection system to be effective, it's essential to consider the various components and accessories that make up the system. Ovun provides custom solutions for J-tube centralisers and passive seals.
These systems are designed, manufactured, and tested according to relevant standards, ensuring they meet the project's specific requirements.
Recommended read: S Band
PipeMat

PipeMat is a mat made of High Density Polyethylene pipes, and is a low-cost alternative to the MudMat.
It can be used as a subsea support, landing and positioning device, or seabed/pipeline/cable protection for light loads.
PipeMat is a versatile option that offers protection and support for subsea cables and pipelines.
Its design allows it to be used in a variety of applications, making it a convenient choice for many projects.
PipeMat is a cost-effective solution that can help reduce the overall cost of a project.
Design Life
The design life of a cable protection system is a critical factor to consider. It's the specific lifetime the system is designed to provide protection for, which can vary depending on the conditions it encounters.
A cable protection system's design life may be influenced by factors such as environmental exposure, usage patterns, and maintenance schedules. The system's ability to withstand these factors will directly impact its overall lifespan.
In some cases, the design life of a cable protection system may be shorter due to harsher conditions. This could be the case for systems installed in areas with extreme temperatures, high humidity, or exposure to chemicals.
Centralisers & Seals
Ovun has a strong track record of providing J-tube centralisers and passive seals to subsea projects.
These custom solutions are designed to suit your project requirements, ensuring a precise fit for your specific needs.
Systems are designed, manufactured and tested according to relevant standards, guaranteeing reliability and performance.
Centralisers are designed to provide support and stability to J-tubes, while passive seals prevent leaks and maintain pressure.
A unique perspective: Passive Repeater
Tether Clamps
Tether Clamps are a unique solution that provides a clamping solution for vertical and horizontal tethers.
This solution also offers over bending protection, which is a vital feature for ensuring the safety and durability of your equipment.
Ovun's expertise in PP-Grip has been applied to create this innovative tether clamp solution.
Removal and Reinstallation
Removal and Reinstallation is a crucial aspect of Cable Protection Systems (CPS). Some designs require diver intervention to recover the cable with the CPS.
The costs associated with CPS replacement during the operational lifetime of an offshore wind farm are not insignificant. Repair or replacement of the cable is usually necessary as part of the process.
Removal of a CPS can be a complex and costly process, especially if the cable needs to be repaired or replaced.
Offshore Wind and Marine
Offshore wind farms are a crucial part of the transition to renewable energy, but they come with their own set of challenges. One major issue is the protection of power cables that connect wind turbines to the mainland.
Coastal construction, submarine communications cables, and telecommunications equipment are all at risk of damage from the harsh marine environment. Cable protection systems (CPS) are designed to mitigate these risks, but they can fail, resulting in costly repairs.
The use of CPS systems in offshore wind power cables has suffered from various failures, including over-bending, abrasion, and fatigue. These failures can be costly to repair, with some companies like Orsted announcing the extent and anticipated repair costs of these failures.
To combat these issues, companies like CRP Subsea are developing advanced CPS solutions. Their NjordGuard CPS system, for example, is designed to safeguard inter-array cables from damage during installation and operation. The system will be used for RWE's Nordseecluster A offshore wind project in the German part of the North Sea.
The FMGC subsea cable protection system is another innovative solution that offers a versatile and cost-effective way to protect submarine cables. Its main component is a cast iron shell that combines protection, stabilization, and bend restriction in one solution, reducing costs and potential damage to the cable.
See what others are reading: 2024 Baltic Sea Submarine Cable Disruptions
Seabed Stability
Seabed stability is crucial for offshore wind and marine projects. A cable protection system that's too buoyant can't stay in contact with the seabed, requiring additional remedial stability measures like concrete mattresses, rock bags, or rockdumping.
The FMGC subsea cable protection system is designed to address this issue. It combines protecting, stabilizing, and bend restrictor aspects in one solution, making it a cost-effective option.
Its cast iron shells are specifically designed to reduce costs and ensure a stable installation. This is achieved by avoiding the need for other stabilization systems like concrete mattresses or rock dumping.
The FMGC shells are suitable for both basic types of submarine cables: HVAC (High Voltage, Alternating Current) and HVDC (High Voltage, Direct Current). The shells' higher thickness provides important protection against potential damages to the cable.
Expand your knowledge: Low Voltage Systems
Offshore Wind - CPS Issues
Offshore wind power cables are protected by cable protection systems (CPS), but these systems have suffered from failures, resulting in costly repairs.
The use of CPS systems to protect offshore wind power cables has been plagued by various failures, leading to expensive repairs of both the CPS systems and the power cables they were meant to safeguard.
Coastal construction, submarine communications cables, and telecommunications equipment are all affected by these failures.
The extent, cost, and frequency of these failures are often not publicly disclosed, although some companies, like Orsted, have made announcements about the scope and anticipated repair costs of these issues.
These failures can be costly, with repair costs likely to be substantial.
Cable protection systems can be designed to safeguard inter-array cables from over-bending, abrasion, and fatigue during installation and operation.
CRP Subsea has supplied cable protection systems for RWE's Nordseecluster A offshore wind project in the North Sea, which will safeguard inter-array cables from over-bending, abrasion, and fatigue.
The NjordGuard cable protection systems supplied by CRP Subsea will be designed for both monopile and J-tube interfaces.
FMGC's subsea cable protection system is specifically designed to suit the requirements and overcome the challenges of each individual customer's subsea application and seabed characteristics.
The main component of the FMGC Subsea Cable Protection System is the cast iron shells, which combine protecting, stabilizing, and bend restrictor aspects in one solution.
For another approach, see: European Union Submarine Internet Cables
The cast iron shells are designed to be installed on the laying vessel, eliminating the need for other stabilization systems and associated vessels.
The shells also provide an important protection to the cable due to their higher thickness compared to other shells on the market.
FMGC's protecting and ballasting shells are suitable for both basic types of submarine cables: the HVAC one (High Voltage, Alternating Current) and the HVDC one (High Voltage, Direct Current).
A different take: Cable One
Case Studies and Partnerships
CRP Subsea has secured a contract with DeepOcean to supply cable protection systems for RWE’s Nordseecluster A offshore wind project. This project is located in the German part of the North Sea.
The contract involves supplying 96 NjordGuard cable protection systems, which will safeguard inter-array cables from over-bending, abrasion, and fatigue during installation and operation.
CRP Subsea will manufacture these systems at its facility in the North West of England, where a semi-automated production line increases product capacity. Engineering work will begin immediately.
Delivery is planned for 2026, with the systems designed for both monopile and J-tube interfaces.
For more insights, see: North Atlantic Radio System
Know More?
Want to dive deeper into cable protection systems? Download our free PDF catalogue to get a comprehensive overview of our solutions.
If you're looking for a reliable way to safeguard your cables, our cable protection systems are designed to provide long-lasting protection against physical damage and environmental factors.
Our catalogue is packed with detailed information on our cable protection systems, including product features and specifications.
You can trust our cable protection systems to keep your cables safe and secure, no matter the application or environment.
By downloading our catalogue, you'll get instant access to the information you need to make informed decisions about your cable protection needs.
Consider reading: Azure Information Protection
Featured Images: pexels.com


