Buoyant Hybrid Cable – Power + Control + Fiber Optic
Designed for surface and subsea operations, our buoyant hybrid cable integrates power transmission, signal control and fiber optic communication in a single robust, neutrally buoyant solution. Engineered with imported polyether polyurethane and advanced armoring, it withstands harsh marine conditions including deep water, oil exposure, extreme cold, acid/alkali environments, microbial and fungal attack, abrasion and fish bite. The cable’s buoyancy is achieved through a proprietary foamed polyurethane inner jacket and structural balance, making it ideal for ROVs, submersibles, underwater cameras and diving motors where weight-neutral performance is critical.
Cable Construction & Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Overall Diameter | 25 mm |
| Outer Sheath | Imported polyether polyurethane (PUR) – waterproof, oil resistant, anti-fish bite |
| Inner Sheath | Imported polyether polyurethane foamed layer (buoyancy element) |
| Anti-Torsion Layer | Imported aramid yarn braid |
| Fiber Optic Unit | Corrugated steel tape armored, aramid yarn filled for enhanced tensile strength |
| Conductor | 99.9999% pure annealed oxygen-free copper wire |
| Manufacturing Process | Full-extrusion process for maximum water tightness |
| Breaking Strength | 500 kgf (approx. 4.9 kN) |
| Maximum Water Depth | ≤600 meters |
Note: Fiber core count and type (single-mode or multi-mode) are customizable. Contact us with your specifications.
Key Performance Features
- True Buoyancy & Balance – The foamed inner jacket compensates for the weight of metallic components, delivering neutral or positive buoyancy without additional floats.
- All-Round Waterproofing – Full-extrusion construction combined with corrugated steel tube armor on the fiber core prevents water ingress even under continuous submersion.
- High Mechanical Strength – With 500 kg breaking strength and an aramid anti-torsion layer, the cable resists twisting, kinking and dynamic loads common in ROV tethers and winch systems.
- Extreme Environment Resistance – The polyurethane jacket withstands temperatures down to -40 °C, oils, acids, alkalis, UV and saltwater corrosion. It also inhibits microbial growth and fungal degradation.
- Fish Bite Protection – The tough outer PUR jacket plus underlying armoring deters fish and rodent attacks encountered in shallow and deep waters.
- 99.9999% Pure Copper Conductors – Ultra-high purity oxygen-free copper minimizes signal attenuation and voltage drop, ensuring efficient power delivery and clean control signal transmission.
Typical Applications
- ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) tethers and power/control links
- AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) charging and data cables
- Submersible pumps and motors
- Underwater robotic arms and camera systems
- Oceanographic sensors and monitoring buoys
- Offshore aquaculture equipment
- Subsea construction and installation tools
FAQ – Buoyant Hybrid Cables
How does this cable stay buoyant?
Buoyancy is achieved primarily through a closed-cell polyether polyurethane foamed layer beneath the outer jacket. This layer displaces sufficient water to offset the weight of conductors, armor and the jacket itself, resulting in near-neutral buoyancy. Custom buoyancy factors are available on request.
What is the maximum operational water depth?
The standard cable is rated for continuous use at depths up to 600 meters. For deeper applications, please consult our engineering team for depth-rated custom designs.
Is this cable suitable for dynamic applications like ROV tethering?
Yes. The aramid anti-torsion braid and helically armored fiber unit give the cable excellent flex life, twist resistance and tensile strength required for tethered ROVs, winch systems and moving subsea equipment. Minimum bend radius is application-dependent and provided in the official datasheet.
Does the cable protect against fish bites and marine growth?
The polyurethane outer jacket is inherently resistant to most fish and marine mammals attacks. Combined with the internal armoring, it provides reliable protection in shark-prone or rodent-infested shallow waters. The material also resists marine biofouling and microbial degradation.
What fiber optic type and core count are available?
We supply both single-mode and multi-mode fibers with core counts from 2 to 48 as standard. The fiber unit is protected by a corrugated steel steel tube and aramid yarn filling to preserve optical performance under strain. Let us know your data bandwidth and distance requirements.
Can you tailor the cable to specific buoyancy, length or connector needs?
Absolutely. Our engineering team can customize buoyancy levels, conductor cross-sections, fiber counts, jacket colors, armor types and pre-terminated underwater connectors. Please send your technical specification or application brief for a customized proposal.
What certifications or standards does this cable comply with?
Our buoyant cables are designed to meet relevant IEC, NEK and ISO frameworks for subsea cables. We can adapt to client-specific certification requirements (e.g., ABS, DNV, CCS for marine use) on a project basis. Contact us to discuss certification needs.
Need a reliable buoyant hybrid cable for your subsea project?
Contact our engineering team with your depth, length and electrical/optical requirements to receive a competitive quotation and technical datasheet.
