🌐 Helicopter Use in Underwater Cable Deployment – 5 Powerful Ways It Supports Connectivity
Helicopter use in underwater cable deployment improves logistics, crew support, and surveying. DreamSafar.in explains 5 powerful ways helicopters assist marine cable operations.
🚁 Helicopter Use in Underwater Cable Deployment – A Crucial Asset for Subsea Infrastructure
The helicopter use in underwater cable deployment is a vital but often overlooked part of large-scale connectivity projects. Whether it’s laying submarine internet cables or power transmission lines, helicopters play a key role in aerial surveying, equipment delivery, and crew coordination—especially in remote or offshore areas where ships alone aren’t sufficient.
In this post, DreamSafar.in explores 5 powerful roles helicopters play in underwater cable deployment projects across India and the globe.
🧭 1. Aerial Route Survey and Coastal Mapping
Helicopters are equipped with:
-
LIDAR systems for coastal elevation scanning
-
Multispectral cameras to identify ideal landing zones for cables
-
Thermal imaging to detect human and ecological activity near shore
✅ Speeds up the process of selecting the safest, least disruptive cable landing sites
⚙️ 2. Transporting Crew and Equipment to Remote Landing Points
Many subsea cable endpoints are:
-
On islands, coastal cliffs, or restricted-access areas
-
Too remote for trucks or conventional transport
Helicopter use in underwater cable deployment allows for:
-
Rapid movement of splicing teams
-
Delivery of lightweight power tools, drones, and cable markers
📦 3. Mid-Sea Support for Cable-Laying Vessels
While vessels lay the cable, helicopters:
-
Deliver urgent equipment or crew changes
-
Drop buoys, signal markers, or communication gear
-
Assist in airlifting injured personnel
✅ Especially useful in shallow waters or during rough sea conditions
🧯 4. Emergency Response & Safety Coordination
In case of:
-
Weather disturbances
-
Ship-to-shore cable tension issues
-
Accidents onboard
Helicopters serve as a safety and evacuation backup, offering:
-
Quick evacuation
-
Aerial situational awareness for ground and marine teams
-
Relay of real-time updates to onshore command centers
🔧 5. Infrastructure Monitoring and Project Documentation
Helicopters assist in:
-
Capturing aerial footage of the cable route
-
Monitoring coastal erosion or human interference post-deployment
-
Supporting regulatory compliance reports for MoEFCC and maritime bodies
✅ Footage is often used in public awareness, environmental audit, and final project delivery documentation
🌏 Real Projects Using Helicopters for Subsea Cables
Project | Helicopter Use Highlights |
---|---|
Chennai–Andaman Cable (CANI Project) | Coastal LIDAR scan, landing crew drop-offs |
Lakshadweep Island Optical Fiber Link | Emergency support + island site access |
Mumbai–Singapore Submarine Cable | Mid-sea supply drops + inspection |
AP Transco Offshore Power Link (Vizag) | Monitoring and deployment survey |
💰 Cost of Helicopter Support in Submarine Cable Projects
Item | Estimated Cost (INR) |
---|---|
Helicopter Survey Mission (per hr) | ₹1.2 – ₹2 lakh |
Equipment Transport Sortie | ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh |
Emergency Backup Standby (per day) | ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh |
Complete Cable Project Support | ₹25 – ₹50 lakh (depending on scale) |
✅ Often budgeted under “aerial support logistics” in marine infrastructure contracts
✅ Benefits of Helicopter Use in Underwater Cable Deployment
-
🚁 Fast access to non-motorable terrain
-
🌊 Ideal for island and offshore deployments
-
⏱️ Reduces project delays caused by sea-only access
-
📡 Enables real-time tracking and aerial surveillance
-
🛟 Strengthens safety protocol and risk mitigation
❓ FAQ – Helicopter Use in Underwater Cable Deployment
❓ Do all subsea cable projects use helicopters?
Not always. Helicopters are used when the project involves remote access points, environmental monitoring, or emergency logistics.
❓ Are helicopters used during actual cable laying?
Indirectly. They support the vessels and ground teams by delivering equipment and providing aerial surveillance.
❓ Is it more cost-effective than sea-based logistics?
Yes, especially when time-sensitive crew movements, site access, or emergency response is required.
🔗 Useful Links – DreamSafar.in
🌐 Resources
🏷️ Tags
helicopter use in underwater cable deployment, DreamSafar.in, submarine cable helicopter support, aerial survey for marine projects, helicopter offshore logistics, coastal mapping helicopter