Technology

Submarine Technology on the East Palapa Ring

The deployment of submarine optical cables is divided into 4 stages, namely:


1. Survey Stage

3 types of surveys before deployment:
  • Deep Water Survey Vessel: Survey for deep waters
  • Shallow Water Survey Vessel: Survey for shallow waters
  • Inshore Survey Vessel: Already shallow and close to land

Methods used during the survey:
  • MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY: Creates a seabed surface model before deployment, by looking 5000 m into the seabed, 500 m to the right and left.
  • SIDE SCAN SONAR IMAGERY: Shows the results of the Sub Bottom Profile of the sea to determine whether there are objects or bottom textures that make it impossible to place FO cables around them with a depth range of 200 m. The image results from SIDE SCAN SONAR IMAGERY are 3D and black and white.


2. PLGR : Pre Lay Grapner Run and Route Clearance

This is the activity of clearing the submarine cable corridor based on the results of a marine survey conducted prior to the submarine cable deployment. The purpose of this work is to clear the cable route of any obstacles, debris, or fishing debris that could hinder or endanger the submarine cable deployment.

The method used is RPL (Route positioning List): to determine the exact position for deployment.


3. Submarine Cable Deployment Activities

  • Shore End and Beach activities involve cable laying in coastal areas (dry and wet areas). This work involves the construction of duct anchors and BMH (functioning as terminations before connecting to land cables).
  • Cable laying burial activities utilize two different types of vessels: a vessel (operated in deeper waters) and a barge (operated in shallower waters). Three methods are used (Direct Landing Station, Main Lay Operation, Separate Shore End Operation).

Technology used:
  • Plow: to install network cables.
  • ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle): to dig to the desired depth.
  • Dutch Anchor: used to keep submarine cables buried in the ground moving or according to their placement so that the submarine cables remain firmly on route.


4. Post Lay Inspection and Burial (PLIB)

This is an inspection activity carried out in specific areas where cable branches occur. This involves direct diving (in shallow water) and using an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) (in deep water). This method aims to ensure the cable is securely buried and will not be lifted again after the submarine cable is laid.


Types of Submarine Cables

For submarine cables, there are three types of submarine cables used:
  • Light Weight Protected (LWP): cables used for depths above 200 m, where the cables are usually simply laid without burial.
  • Single Armored (SA): cables used for depths ranging from 20 m to 200 m, where the cables Can be laid or buried at a depth of 1.5 m – 2 m, depending on seabed conditions based on marine survey results and submarine cable protection requirements.
  • Double Armored (DA): Cables used in seabed conditions that require enhanced protection, such as at shore end to a depth of 20 m. For seabed conditions in shore end areas and seabed areas up to a depth of 20 m.