The challenge

The Saba Statia Cable System (SSCS) is a vital submarine fiber optic and telecommunication cable network in the Caribbean. The islands of Saba and Sint Eustatius are linked through this network to international cable systems via Sint Kitts, Sint Maarten and Sint Barts. As a result, both islands rely heavily on the availability and reliability of this infrastructure for their data and communication services. Recent hurricanes have caused damage to the cable protection and landing structures, highlighting the vulnerability of the system. To enhance resilience and ensure long-term reliability, SSCS BV is investing in upgraded cable landings and coastal protection works.

Our activities

SSCS BV commissioned Walhout to design a new cable landing structure in Saba. The area is characterized by a steep, rocky bottom, which means that waves and currents have a large impact on the protections and landings of the fiber optic cables. Design studies have been carried out by Walhout for the application of steel cofferdams, breakwaters and various trenching methods (between the submarine cables and the beach manhole). The beach manhole provides a safe sea-land transition to the cable landing station and backhaul system. Walhout calculated different rock layers and concrete interlocking elements to protect the breakwater construction, including classic concrete blocks, Xblocs and acropodss.

 

A summary of our activities:

  • Analysis hydraulic conditions and metocean study
  • Alternatives study and design landing construction
  • Drawings incl. analysus bathymetric survey
  • Overlay with rocks and filter (Rock Manual)
  • Overlay with concrete interlocking elements
  • Analysis impact flora and fauna, nautical safety
  • Obtaining permissions and building permits
  • Consultancy Client