Submarine Cable Repair Capacities - Works

O čem je ta razpis?

The call funds modular repair equipment and pre-configured vessels for emergency repair of submarine telecom cables in the main European sea basins. It targets public entities with an emergency response mandate, such as civil protection bodies, coastguards and navies.

Kaj ta razpis financira?

Scope

The call funds modular equipment for repairing telecom submarine cables, so that emergency repairs can be carried out quickly and the resilience of backbone network infrastructure improves. The modules are designed to be deployed on existing flat deck vessels with minor adaptation, to restore service by repair or substitution when a cable cut or failure could cause severe damage to one or more Member States and commercial services cannot fix it in time. They may be used only for emergencies declared by the competent authority, expected to be the future Regional Cable Hubs. The EU aims to fund modules covering the main sea basins of the Union, and the modules would be hosted in ports or shipyards able to install them on a vessel within a maximum of three days of its arrival.

Eligible activities and costs

• Development and deployment of adaptable repair modules and the related operational capabilities.
• Pre-configuration of existing vessels, including final layout and design for repair equipment and personnel workspace, support points for fastening and loading and docking procedures.
• Construction, acquisition or modification of equipment and storage facilities, such as shoreside handling equipment (cranes and forklifts) and cable spare parts equipment (feeders, spooling equipment and tensioners). Storage facilities for modules and spare parts are limited to 10% of eligible costs.
• Initial training and certification of the beneficiary's personnel.

Operation and maintenance costs of the modules and rental fees for facilities are not eligible; applicants are expected to show how they will cover operation and maintenance over the economic lifespan of the modules.

Beneficiaries may subcontract the activities and the operation of the modules to third parties, including public or private entities without an emergency mandate.

Requirements for proposals

Applicants should identify at least three vessels that are or will be pre-configured for the modules, explain how they are or will be prepared, and for vessels owned by third parties give details of a lease or service level agreement guaranteeing availability over the economic lifespan, at least 10 years. Proposals should show adaptability, portability and scalability, and solid implementation plans covering vessel and module specifications, phasing (design, production-level deployment, operation), governance, allocation policies, financial aspects and the choice of storage and installation locations. It is crucial that they clearly demonstrate effective coordination with all relevant stakeholders, especially the entity declaring the emergency. Proposals should show how they contribute to Area 8 (multipurpose vessels and modular equipment stock) of the list of Cable Projects of European Interest and to the stated criteria of Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/779. The modules must increase repair capacity for all subsea cable systems serving Member States in the main European sea basins, following current repair agreements where relevant. Digital security requirements are set out in the call document.

Expected outcomes

• Quick response to emergencies identified by the Regional Cable Hub or other declaring entity.
• Short average estimated time to repair for cable systems in the targeted sea basins with at least one landing point in EU territory.
• Greater operational repair capacity and stronger resilience of cable systems in the main European sea basins.
• Digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the EU in those basins.

Kdaj je rok za oddajo?

25. novembra 2026 (19 dni)

8 October 2026, 17:00:00 CEST (Brussels). The indicative timetable foresees evaluation in October and November 2026, results in winter 2026 and grant agreement signature in spring 2027.