The Canary Islands are set to experience a huge technological boost with the completion of marine surveys for a new underwater cable project connecting Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Led by CanaLink, a company affiliated with the Tenerife Cabildo’s Institute of Renewable Energy Technology (ITER), this initiative is part of the GC-LNZ-FU Ring project.
Specialised companies Elettra and Geoteam have conducted thorough surveys to map out potential risks and sensitive ecological areas along the cable route.
The project began in Fuerteventura, collecting marine data and using drones for topographic surveys. The oceanographic vessel Explora led this two-month operation, covering the waters of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria. Advanced tools like multibeam echosounders and side-scan sonar were used to thoroughly examine the seafloor
These efforts have resulted in comprehensive maps showing the distribution of sediments and the seafloor's shape. In coastal regions, drones and expert divers carried out topographic surveys, with local companies providing valuable insights into the terrain at proposed cable landing sites.
Juan José Martínez, the Tenerife Cabildo’s Minister of Research, Development, and Innovation, hailed the survey's completion as a pivotal step in enhancing the islands' digital infrastructure. "These studies are a confident move forward," he said.
While final conclusions from the surveys are pending, experts have confirmed that the planned cable route is efficient and environmentally conscious. Carlos Suárez, ITER's technical director, emphasized the project's dual impact: not only does it pave the way for new cable deployment, but it also enriches the understanding of the ocean floor around the islands.
Part of the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program, the GC-LNZ-FU Ring project aims to lay two new underwater cables. These will significantly increase capacity and improve connectivity for the eastern islands, replacing existing cables that are nearing the end of their 25-year lifespan. This project is a crucial step in ensuring the islands remain well-connected to the global network.
