Who’s Guarding Europe’s Undersea Cables?

ESCA and IMCA push for joint action to secure Europe’s subsea cables powering energy and data links

28 Oct 2025

Europe’s undersea networks, which power its economies and digital systems, are drawing new attention from industry groups seeking stronger protection. The European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) have called for greater cooperation among governments and operators to strengthen the resilience of the continent’s subsea power and data cables.

The joint statement, released in August 2025, highlights growing concern over the security of infrastructure essential to Europe’s energy transition and digital connectivity. Subsea cables, stretching thousands of miles across the seabed, transmit renewable electricity between nations and carry almost all international internet traffic.

“This is about moving from reaction to prevention,” said Allen Leatt, IMCA’s technical director. “Europe’s undersea cables are critical to everything from offshore wind farms to financial systems. We need a roadmap to protect them before disruptions happen.”

ESCA chair Peter Jamieson described subsea systems as “the arteries of Europe’s modern economy,” urging a coordinated European effort to improve readiness and repair capacity. The organisations stressed the need for more consistent safety standards, better access to repair vessels, and sustained investment in skilled technical staff.

They also urged the European Union to formally recognise subsea infrastructure within its energy and digital policy frameworks, arguing that greater visibility would help align national regulations and funding.

Industry observers view the appeal as timely. Europe’s offshore wind capacity is expanding rapidly, and new data routes are linking the continent with the Middle East and Africa. Cable manufacturers such as Prysmian and Nexans are closely monitoring policy discussions on how governments may implement the proposed measures.

While Europe faces challenges in harmonising regulation and securing long-term financing, ESCA and IMCA’s joint call underlines a broader warning: as demand for clean energy and connectivity accelerates, the resilience of the cables beneath Europe’s seas will be central to maintaining both growth and security.