Power Jacks Enhance Deepsea Cable Laying With Precision Tension Control

Beneath the ocean's surface lies one of humanity's most critical infrastructure networks - submarine cables that carry global communications and energy transmission. These vital arteries of modern civilization require extraordinary engineering to install and maintain in the deep sea environment.

Subsea cable installation represents one of the most demanding engineering challenges in marine operations. Unlike surface-level construction, this work occurs in complete darkness under extreme pressure, where millimeter-level precision determines success or catastrophic failure.

The core challenge lies in maintaining precise tension control throughout the installation process. Excessive tension can deform the cable's delicate internal structure, while insufficient tension risks violating the cable's minimum bend radius. Both scenarios can cause irreparable damage to these critical infrastructure components.

At the forefront of subsea cable installation technology stands the MAATS 45Te Quad-Track Tensioner, developed by MAATS Tech Ltd. This sophisticated system combines brute strength with surgical precision, capable of handling cables up to 460mm in diameter at speeds reaching 1,200 meters per hour while applying up to 45 tons of tension.

The tensioner's innovative design features four drive tracks arranged at 45-degree angles, creating an optimal cable contact length of 4.94 meters. This configuration ensures even tension distribution across the cable's entire circumference. Each track operates independently, allowing customized tension application tailored to each cable's specific requirements.

The lower track positioning system forms the technological core of the MAATS tensioner, powered by an array of eight precision screw jacks from Power Jacks. These electromechanical actuators work in synchronized pairs to provide micron-level positioning accuracy - each rotation translates to just 0.06mm of linear movement.

Power Jacks' EMT0500 series screw jacks incorporate absolute encoders for real-time position feedback, enabling precise monitoring and adjustment during operations. The system's mechanical design ensures load distribution across the entire structure while preventing localized stress concentrations that could damage cables.

All components meet stringent DNV (Det Norske Veritas) certification requirements for marine applications. The screw jacks' self-locking capability maintains position even during power loss, a critical safety feature for deep-sea operations. Flexible pivot point mounting accommodates seabed terrain variations while maintaining system stability.

The project exemplifies successful collaboration between MAATS Tech Ltd. and Power Jacks. Lisa Edwards, Managing Director of MAATS Tech Ltd., praised the partnership: "Power Jacks consistently met our demanding delivery requirements while providing the flexibility we needed. We consider them a trusted long-term partner."

Keith Mackie, Managing Director of Power Jacks, added: "This marine application demonstrates how our expert team collaborates closely with clients to deliver optimal solutions." The partnership has resulted in systems now deployed on leading cable-laying vessels worldwide, including ABB's CLV Victoria.

As global reliance on submarine infrastructure grows, these precision engineering solutions will continue playing a vital role in maintaining and expanding our interconnected world's underwater nervous system.