Subsea cable projects are gaining momentum globally, driven by demands for enhanced connectivity, energy transition, and supply chain localization. From Latin Americas first direct international links to UK offshore power upgrades, December announcements underscore the sectors vitality.
El Salvador Awards Liberty Networks Its First Subsea Cable Contract
El Salvadors Telecommunications regulator SIGET has selected Liberty Networks as the contractor to construct and deploy their inaugural subsea cable system, connecting directly between El Salvador and Panama without using shared terrestrial infrastructure. This 1,800km link will save time and resources while increasing security by cutting across borders without sharing infrastructure between neighbors.
Currently, El Salvadors 6.8 million residents depend entirely on land-based connections, limiting international bandwidth. The project, slated for operational status in the second half of 2028, aims to expand capacity and foster economic growth. Liberty Networks plans to reveal a technology partner soon, leveraging its expertise in reliable subsea systems.
Ray Collins, Liberty Latin Americas SVP of infrastructure and corporate strategy, emphasized the initiatives broader impact: This investment goes beyond building critical infrastructure; it lays the foundation for economic growth, innovation and opportunity for all Salvadorans.
Sumitomo Electric Lands Major HVDC Cable Deal for UK Sea Link Project
Sumitomo Electric Industries was awarded a contract from National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC to construct and manufacture a 140km 525kV HVDC submarine cable as part of the UKs Sea Link project, linking Kent and Suffolk. Construction begins in 2027 at Sumitomos Port of Nigg facility in Scotland.
Sea Link forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, enhancing electricity transmission for cleaner energy delivery. The project supports UKs Clean Power 2030 and Net Zero 2050 goals, creating over 200 direct jobs and bolstering local supply chains. Sumitomo will collaborate with Siemens Energy and marine contractor Van Oord for manufacturing and installation.
Masaki Shirayama, Sumitomo Electric Managing Director, highlighted the facilities role in UK net zero ambitions. National Grids Carl Trowell and UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks praised the partnerships role in economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
Tekmar Secures $9M Cable Protection Contract with UK Offshore Wind Farm
Tekmar Group, a subsea engineering specialist, has won a contract exceeding $9 million for its 10th Generation Cable Protection System and ancillaries on a major UK offshore wind project. The deal, from an existing EPC client, leverages Tekmars in-house design expertise.
Delivery is targeted for late 2027, pending a final investment decision in early 2026. CEO Richard Turner noted the award reinforces Tekmars market leadership, protecting two-thirds of global installed offshore wind capacity.
LS Cable & System Expands US Presence with New Chesapeake Facility
South Korean firm LS Cable & System announced a $689 million manufacturing complex in Chesapeake, Virginia, on December 12, producing copper rods, magnetic wires, and rare earth magnets for power grids, EVs, and defense applications. Operational by 2027, it will employ over 430 workers.
This follows the April 2025 groundbreaking of its $680 million LS GreenLink subsea cable factory in the same region, marking the largest capital investments in Hampton Roads history. Officials hail the moves for enhancing US supply chain security and reducing China dependency.
Governor Glenn Youngkin stressed the geopolitical importance of domestic production for military systems like F-35 jets and submarines, sourcing rare earths from Australia.