CableFish®

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By providing high quality continuous monitoring in all conditions CableFish® enables faster, higher precision subsea cable installation operations.

The system operates effectively in shallow or high flow environments, conditions in which ROVs are rendered ineffective. CableFish®  can be operated in automated mode, such that it will automatically maintain a set altitude above the seabed.

The system is controlled and monitored via a PC on the CableFish® network, either via WIFI or ethernet.  CableFish® uses instruments integrated into a cable mounted carriage and a fibre optic umbilical to provide video/sonar and GPS coordinates of the cable touch down point in real time. The system also provides video/sonar of the seabed ahead of the cable, enabling obstacle detection and avoidance in real time. This is a feature that is unique to CableFish®.

The carriage is opened and closed remotely for safe and simple attachment to the cable. The system can be readily adjusted to suit a wide range of cable sizes and only requires two crew for 24 hour operations. It comes with its own electric davit crane for efficient launch and recovery.  Call us to discuss how CableFish®  can be used to support your submarine cable installation operations.

Key Features

  • Significantly lower cost than an ROV, with reduced manning and rapid mobilisation.
  • Auto-pilot allows it to be operated by one person per shift.
  • Continuous visual monitoring in all conditions meaning less downtime.
  • Visual monitoring of the touchdown and the seabed ahead of the cable in real time.
  • Remotely operated open/close of carriage for safe, efficient cable attachment.
  • Pitch sensor measures cable catenary angle.
  • Chart plotted location reference of touchdown point.
  • Actual touchdown position calculated in real time.
  • Eliminates the need for an expensive post-lay ROV survey.
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Real time visual Monitoring in both directions simultaneously

Reliable and continuous in all conditions

Significantly lower cost than the alternatives

Technical Specifications

  • 5 – 200m water depths
  • 4 knot tidal flows.
  • Adjustable for a range of cable diameters.
  • Carriage open/close function.
  • 4m electric davit crane for launch and recovery.
  • Custom Umbilical Management System for safe and efficient operations.
  • Operated via PC on ethernet connection with dedicated DVR.
  • Simple and customisable ethernet interface to survey suite.
  • Touchdown calculation to +/-1m.
  • A range of carriage sizes means it can be used on power and fibre optic cables.
Underwater cable laying is shown through multiple camera feeds, displaying real-time data like coordinates and depth. A sonar screen illustrates cable positioning. Text includes details on altitude, pitch, and roll.

Onboard Instrumentation

  • Two IP cameras and lights, aft and forward.
  • Two Sonars, aft and forward.
  • Integrated INS & DVL.
  • Altimeter & Depth gauge.
  • Roll & Pitch.
  • USBL beacon.
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Sunlight filters through calm water, casting beams and illuminating the dark, deep ocean below. The surface is slightly rippled, creating a serene and tranquil underwater atmosphere.

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Our systems are built to provide reliable solutions at affordable prices.  If you have a cable installation project that requires continuous reliable touchdown monitoring, while offering a cost saving over traditional methods, you should consider CableFish®. 

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