Umbilical Cable (Subsea Power & Fiber Optic Hybrid Cable)
Our subsea umbilical cable is a purpose-built hybrid solution that integrates power conductors and single-mode optical fiber into a single, high-tensile marine cable. Designed to withstand the most demanding underwater environments, it delivers reliable power and high-speed data transmission for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), seafloor mining equipment, offshore oil & gas platforms, and marine survey instrumentation. Engineered for dynamic flexing and permanent immersion, this cable combines exceptional mechanical strength with superior watertightness and long-term seawater corrosion resistance.
Cable Construction & Materials
- Conductor & Optical Element: Ultra-fine stranded oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors paired with single-mode optical fiber
- Insulation: High-strength composite insulation compound
- Inner Jacket: High-strength composite jacket material
- Overall Shield: Steel wire braid (provides mechanical protection and EMI shielding)
- Outer Jacket: Premium polyether-based PUR (polyurethane), imported from the USA; standard color yellow (custom colors available on request)
Technical Specifications
- Maximum DC Conductor Resistance at 20 °C: 1.21 Ω/km (for 16 mm²)
- Minimum Insulation Resistance at 70 °C: 0.01 MΩ·km
- Rated Voltage (U₀/U): 450/750 V
- Test Voltage: 2500 V / 5 min
- Maximum Current Carrying Capacity: 100 A
- Bending Radius: 8–10 × D (moving/flexing installation); 5 × D (static/fixed installation)
- Maximum Operating Temperature: 90 °C
- Breaking Strength (Tensile Load): 27.4 kN
- Reference Standards: UL 758, GB/T 5023, and company-specific standards
Applications
- Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and ROV tether cables
- Offshore oil & gas exploration, production, and control systems
- Subsea mineral resource extraction and deep-sea mining equipment
- Marine scientific research, oceanographic surveys, and sensor arrays
- Mobile subsea equipment requiring combined power and optical data links
Why Specify Our Subsea Umbilical Cables
- High tensile capacity: With a breaking load of 27.4 kN, the cable withstands dynamic lifting, towing, and touchdown stresses.
- Reliable optical transmission: Single-mode fiber is integrated under stable strain control, ensuring consistent signal integrity even under cyclic bending and tension.
- Proven watertight design: The composite jacket system and steel wire braid provide a robust barrier against water ingress, saline corrosion, and subsea pressures.
- Application-specific customization: We tailor cable geometry, fiber count, conductor size, jacket color, and voltage ratings to your project. Small to mid-scale prototype quantities and full production runs are available.
- Global standards awareness: Reference to UL 758 and GB/T 5023, combined with our in-house test protocols, provides a transparent baseline for quality assurance. Where needed, we can adapt to regional requirements (e.g., ABS, DNV type approval).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a subsea umbilical cable, and how does it differ from a standard marine cable? A subsea umbilical cable is a hybrid composite cable that bundles power conductors, fiber optics, and sometimes hydraulic conduits or signal pairs in a single assembly. Unlike standard marine cables, it is specifically engineered for high tensile strength, tight bending radii, and reliable optical performance under continuous dynamic loads and immersion.
2. Can you supply custom umbilical cable configurations? Yes. We regularly customize fiber count, conductor cross-section (beyond the 16 mm² shown), overall diameter, mechanical strength members, jacket colors, and alternative PUR grades (e.g., flame-retardant or low-temperature grades). Contact our engineering team with your specification.
3. What standards do these cables comply with? The design is based on UL 758 and GB/T 5023, supplemented by our stringent company standards. If your project requires ABS, DNV, or other class society type approval, we can manage the documentation and testing coordination. Please let us know the target certification early in the evaluation phase.
4. Are these cables suitable for continuous underwater service in saltwater? Absolutely. The combination of a composite inner jacket, steel wire braid, and premium polyether-based PUR outer jacket provides excellent resistance to seawater, hydrolysis, abrasion, and marine growth. The cable’s watertight design is proven under extended immersion.
5. What is the typical lead time, and do you accept small trial orders? Lead times vary depending on configuration complexity, required certifications, and order volume. We work with procurement teams on both prototype quantities for qualification testing and full-volume deliveries. Request a quotation for your specific scope, and we will provide a realistic timeline within 24–48 hours.
