Submarine Cable Manufacturer — HVAC, HVDC & Dynamic Marine Cables

Power, HVDC, Fiber Optic & Dynamic Marine Cable | Engineered for Offshore Wind, Oil & Gas Platforms, Inter-Island Power Links and Subsea Telecommunications
HVAC up to 500kV | HVDC up to 525kV | Water Depth: up to 3,000m Rated Armour | IEC 60840 · IEC 62067 · IEC 60502 Certified | DNV · Bureau Veritas · Lloyd's Register | Single-Wire & Double-Wire Armour Available

Submarine cables are engineered for the most demanding marine environments, including offshore wind farms, inter-island power links, oil and gas platforms, and cross-sea power transmission. We manufacture HVAC submarine cables from 3.6/6 kV up to 500 kV, HVDC cables up to ±525 kV, fiber optic submarine cables, and dynamic marine cables for floating platforms. Our cables are certified to IEC 60840, IEC 62067, DNV, Bureau Veritas, and Lloyd’s Register standards, with galvanized steel wire armor rated for water depths up to 3,000 meters.

Our Submarine Cable Products

Submarine Cable Catalogue PDF

ZMS provides our partners around the world with brochures of our cable products, including aerial cables, submarine cables, control cables and other types of special cables, and more.

ZMS submarine cables are engineered for reliability in the world’s most demanding marine environments. Click any product type to explore technical specifications, available constructions, and project documentation.

Submarine Power Cable (HVAC, 3-Core & Single-Core)

XLPE or EPR insulated submarine power cables for inter-island power links, offshore platform supply, river crossings, and export connections for offshore renewable energy. Three-core construction for voltages up to 132kV; single-core for 220kV and above. Galvanised steel wire armour rated for water depths up to 1,000m (standard) or 3,000m (deep-water version).

Voltage/Specification Range: HVAC 3.6/6kV – 127/220kV; Cross-sectional area 70–2,500mm²

Certification Standards: IEC 60502; IEC 60840; IEC 62067

HVDC Submarine Cable (High Voltage Direct Current)

Mass-impregnated (MI) and XLPE-insulated HVDC submarine cables for long-distance bulk power transmission across seas and straits. HVDC submarine cables carry power with significantly lower losses than HVAC over distances exceeding 80km. Available in bipole and monopole configurations up to 525kV DC.

Voltage/Specification Range: HVDC Up to ±525kV DC, cross-sectional area 630–2,500mm²

Certification Standards: IEC 60840 IEC 62067 CIGRE TB-490

Submarine Fiber Optic Cable (Telecom & Monitoring)

Submarine fiber optic cables for inter-continental telecommunications, inter-island broadband links, offshore platform data transmission, and real-time offshore wind turbine monitoring. Armoured lightweight (LW), single armour (SA), and double armour (DA) types for different water depths and burial protection requirements.

Voltage/Specification Range: Single Mode (G.652 / G.654) Fiber count: 2–144 cores

Certification Standards: IEC 60794-4 ITU-T G.652 ITU-T G.654

Dynamic Submarine Cable (Floating Platforms & Offshore Wind)

Dynamic marine cables are designed for applications where the cable must flex continuously with wave motion, platform movement, or tidal action. Used for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT), FPSOs, semi-submersible platforms, and wave energy converters. High fatigue resistance with bend restrictor and I/J-tube installation support.

Voltage/Specification Range: Up to 66kV (FOWT typical) Cross-sectional area 35–400mm²

Certification Standards: IEC 60092 DNV-ST-0359 ABS / BV

Submarine Power Cable Construction – Layer by Layer

A typical 3-core HVAC submarine power cable consists of the following layers, from inside to outside:

1. Conductor: Compacted, stranded copper conductor (class 2 or 5 depending on application). The conductor is compacted to reduce outer diameter and weight per metre. Aluminum is generally not used for submarine power cables due to corrosion and mechanical requirements.

2. Conductor Screen: Semi-conductive layer extruded directly over the conductor to equalize the electric field and eliminate voids. IEC 60840/62067 requires three-layer co-extrusion (conductor screen + insulation + insulation screen) in a single process.

3. Insulation: XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) is the standard insulation for HVAC submarine cables. EPR (ethylene propylene rubber) is available on request for improved water-tree resistance. MI (mass-impregnated) paper is used for HVDC cables.

4. Insulation Screen: Semi-conductive layer extruded over the insulation, co-extruded with the insulation and conductor screen to ensure a void-free interface.

5. Metallic Screen / Separator: Copper tape or copper wire screen over the insulation screen (MV cables), or lead alloy sheath (HV/EHV cables) providing a complete radial water barrier and short-circuit path.

6. Lead Sheath (HV/EHV): Lead alloy sheath provides a hermetic radial water barrier, preventing seawater from penetrating the insulation. This layer is essential for high-voltage submarine cables.

7. Bedding / Inner Sheath: Extruded polyethylene layer over the lead sheath, providing a smooth bed for the armour and additional mechanical protection.

8. Filling & Binder: PP ropes or PE filler strips fill the gaps between cores to maintain a round cable cross-section; binder tapes hold the core assembly together before armouring.

9. Armour: Galvanized steel wire, single-layer (SA) or double-layer (DA) counter-helically wound. Wire diameter (typically 3–8 mm) is selected based on water depth and tensile load requirements. The armour provides mechanical protection and tensile strength during installation and operation.

10. Outer Serving: Two options: (a) PP rope + bitumen (asphalt) over the armour for warm-water shallow-water sections; (b) extruded PE outer sheath for deep-water or cold-water applications, where PP rope would be damaged by high hydrostatic pressure.

Submarine Cable Armour Selection Guide

The armour type is determined by water depth, seabed conditions, installation method, and burial requirement. Use this table to select the right specification for your project.

Armour Type	Code	Construction	Max Water Depth	Typical Applications
Lightweight	LW	Single-layer galvanized steel wire, thin diameter	1,000–3,000 m	Deep-water telecom sections where anchor / fishing risk is negligible
Single Armour	SA	Single-layer galvanized steel wire, standard	200–1,000 m	Continental shelf, inter-island links, nearshore power transmission — the most common type
Double Armour	DA	Two layers of counter-helically wound galvanized steel wire	800–3,000 m	Deep-water oil & gas, strong-current areas, rocky seabeds, high mechanical load
Double Armour — Burial Grade	DA-B	Heavy double armour + outer PP rope serving	0–200 m (nearshore)	Buried nearshore sections, harbors, estuaries, intertidal zones — anchor & trawl protection
Unarmoured	—	No steel wire; HDPE outer sheath only	<50 m (platform jumper)	Short inter-platform jumpers (<50 m), J-tube internal cabling, no seabed exposure

Selection Recommendation: For most nearshore projects (<500 m water depth) and inter-island links, single armour (SA) is sufficient. Deep-water oil & gas and offshore wind export cables require armour specification based on route survey results. ZMS kV Cable provides free armour selection support based on your route conditions.

Submarine Power Cable – Reference Specifications

A. 3-Core MV Submarine Cable

Reference values only. Final specifications subject to project design, route survey, and certification requirements. Copper conductor as standard; aluminum available for select MV ratings on request. Insulation: XLPE (standard) / EPR on request.

Rated Voltage	Cross-section Range	Outer Ø (approx.)	Weight (approx.)	Max Water Depth	Armour Grade	Standard
3.6/6 kV	70–300 mm²	80–130 mm	15–35 kg/m	500 m	SA	IEC 60502-2
6/10 kV	95–400 mm²	90–150 mm	18–45 kg/m	500 m	SA	IEC 60502-2
8.7/15 kV	95–400 mm²	95–155 mm	20–48 kg/m	800 m	DA	IEC 60502-2
12/20 kV	120–400 mm²	100–160 mm	22–50 kg/m	800 m	DA	IEC 60502-2
18/30 kV	150–500 mm²	110–175 mm	26–60 kg/m	1,000 m	DA	IEC 60502-2
26/35 kV	185–630 mm²	125–195 mm	32–75 kg/m	1,000 m	DA	IEC 60840
64/110 kV	240–800 mm²	150–230 mm	45–110 kg/m	1,500 m	DA	IEC 60840
76/132 kV	400–1,000 mm²	170–260 mm	55–140 kg/m	2,000 m	DA	IEC 60840

Note: Regional SABS voltages (6.35/11 kV, 12.7/22 kV) available on request for South African projects.

B. Single-Core HV/EHV Submarine Cable

Reference values only. Copper conductor, lead alloy sheath (radial water barrier) as standard. Insulation: XLPE for HVAC; MI paper or XLPE for HVDC.

Rated Voltage	Configuration	Cross-section	Insulation	Max Water Depth	Armour	Standard
127/220 kV HVAC	3 × single-core	630–2,500 mm²	XLPE	1,500 m	DA	IEC 62067
190/330 kV HVAC	3 × single-core	1,000–2,500 mm²	XLPE	2,000 m	DA	IEC 62067
290/500 kV HVAC	3 × single-core	1,600–2,500 mm²	XLPE	2,000 m	DA	IEC 62067
±320 kV HVDC	Monopolar or bipolar	1,000–2,500 mm²	MI paper or XLPE	2,000 m	DA	IEC 62067 / CIGRE TB-490
±525 kV HVDC	Monopolar or bipolar	1,600–2,500 mm²	MI paper or XLPE	3,000 m	DA	IEC 62067 / CIGRE TB-490

A. International Standards (IEC)

IEC 60502-2 — MV submarine power cables, U₀/U up to 26/35 kV (Um = 36 kV)
IEC 60840 — HV submarine power cables, 30 kV to 150 kV
IEC 62067 — EHV submarine power cables above 150 kV, and extruded HVDC cables
IEC 60228 — Conductor specifications (class and resistance requirements)
CIGRE TB 490 — Design and testing recommendations for HVDC extruded cable systems

B. Marine Classification & Certification Bodies

DNV (Det Norske Veritas) — North Sea oil & gas, Nordic offshore wind, FPSO projects
Bureau Veritas (BV) — French and African offshore projects, global oil & gas platforms
Lloyd's Register (LR) — UK, Commonwealth, and GCC offshore projects
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) — American offshore projects, Gulf of Mexico

C. Dynamic & Offshore Standards

DNV-ST-0359 — Design and certification of dynamic submarine cables for floating offshore wind
IEC 60092-376 — Power cables for ships and offshore units
API RP 17B — Flexible pipe and umbilical design reference (petrochemical industry)

Submarine Cable Applications

Offshore Wind Farm Export Cables

Submarine power cables connect the offshore substation to the onshore grid, carrying power generated by wind turbines. We supply 33 kV, 66 kV, 132 kV, and 220 kV submarine export cables with single or double armour, rated for water depths up to 2,000 m. DNV and Bureau Veritas certified cables are available for projects in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Inter-Island Power Links

Isolated islands without mainland grid access rely on submarine cables for electricity supply. Our 3-core submarine cables cover voltages from 11 kV to 132 kV for inter-island links in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean, and the Middle East — including projects in Oman, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Offshore Oil & Gas Platforms

Offshore platforms, FPSOs, and subsea wellhead systems require reliable power and data cables for platform electrification, subsea control systems, and communications. We supply DNV-certified HVAC submarine cables for platform supply, and dynamic marine cables for FPSOs and floating platforms requiring continuous flexing.

Floating Offshore Wind (Dynamic Cables)

Floating wind turbines and wave energy converters require dynamic submarine cables that flex continuously with wave motion and platform movement. Our dynamic cables are certified to DNV-ST-0359, with fatigue-resistant conductor stranding and bend restrictor installation support. Typical voltage: 33 kV to 66 kV, cross-sections 35–400 mm².

Strait & River Crossings

Where overhead lines are impractical, submarine cables cross rivers, estuaries, and sea straits. We supply 33 kV to 500 kV submarine cables for strait crossings, with project experience in river deltas, tidal estuaries, and straits up to 50 km wide. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) installation support is available for shallow-water entry and exit points.

Why Choose ZMS Cable?

Cable Customization

ZMS submarine cables are manufactured by GB, IEC, and other international standards and include a wide range of industry applications, but sometimes it is necessary to customize the cable or customize the cable solution according to the needs of the application. You can provide the specifications, cross section area, dimensions, materials, etc. of the undersea cable that needs to be customized. Our technical team can work with you to customize the cable to meet your specific application needs.

ZMS Qualification

ZMS has been qualified by the ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001, and ISO 14001 systems successfully. The whole quality assurance system covers the design and engineering, raw material selection, manufacturing, FAT, load out, and also the service for site testing and maintenance. The submarine power cable has been qualified by different kinds of Reports and certificates according to IEC, ICEA, and CIGRE standards: e.g. KEMA type test report, Type test report issued by SECRI in Shanghai, DNV, BV, SGS inspection report, etc.

Experienced Manufacturer

ZMS can also offer cables with different sheathing, screening, taping & armoring options as per customer’s specific requirements. we can also offer cables suitable for superior fire performance characteristics as well as with low smoke & fume (LSF or LOSH/LOZH) properties. special features like longitudinal water sealing of conductors & cu screens, radial water sealing of cu screens as well as different colours of outer sheath can be provided on request.

FAQ – Submarine Cable

What is the difference between HVAC and HVDC submarine cables?

HVAC (High Voltage Alternating Current) submarine cables transmit power using alternating current at standard grid frequencies (50Hz or 60Hz). They are available in three-core configurations up to 132kV and single-core for 220kV to 500kV. HVAC cables are simpler, lower cost, and use standard grid equipment at both ends. However, HVAC cables have significant reactive power generation (charging current) that limits their economical transmission distance to approximately 50–80km depending on voltage level. HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) submarine cables transmit power as direct current, eliminating reactive charging current and enabling efficient transmission over hundreds or thousands of kilometres with no technical length limit. HVDC requires converter stations at each end, which adds significant cost. HVDC submarine cables are the standard choice for distances over 80km, large-scale offshore wind farm connections to shore, and inter-continental power links. ZMS supplies both HVAC submarine cables and HVDC submarine cables to IEC 62067 and CIGRE standards.

What water depth can your submarine cables operate at?

The maximum operating water depth for a submarine cable depends on the armour type and the tensile load during installation and operation. As a general guide: Single Armour (SA) submarine cables are rated for water depths up to 500–1,000m for standard configurations and up to 1,500m for heavy single armour. Double Armour (DA) submarine cables are designed for water depths of 800m to 3,000m. Lightweight (LW) armour is used for deep water sections in telecommunications submarine cables, typically beyond 1,000m where mechanical damage risk from anchors and fishing gear is negligible. For oil and gas platform cables installed at depths of 100–3,000m, the cable must also withstand dynamic loading from platform movement — these require dynamic marine cable design with enhanced fatigue resistance. ZMS can supply cables for all water depths. Please provide your project water depth profile and installation method (burial or surface lay) for a specific armour recommendation.

What is a dynamic submarine cable and when is it required?

A dynamic submarine cable (also called a dynamic marine cable) is designed to flex continuously and repeatedly without fatigue failure, unlike a static submarine cable that is laid on the seabed and remains stationary. Dynamic cables are required whenever the cable must move with the structure it is connected to, including floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT), FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels), semi-submersible drilling platforms, and wave energy converters. The cable must withstand millions of flex cycles over a 25–30 year design life under combined effects of wave motion, current, and tension. Dynamic cables use specially designed conductor construction (fine-wire stranding), fatigue-resistant insulation and sheath compounds, and are often installed with bend restrictors, buoyancy modules, and I-tube or J-tube connectors at the floater interface. Design and certification typically follows DNV-ST-0359 or IEC 60092-376. ZMS supplies dynamic marine cables for floating offshore applications.