North Sea Systems Expanded CableFish Platform
The platform now supports shallow-water installations via new positioning hardware for subsea cables.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Robotics
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North Sea Systems has upgraded its CableFish platform to support operations in water depths below 15 meters. The update introduces a GNSS-enabled positioning system to replace conventional acoustic sensors in shallower environments.
Why it matters
The development improves installation accuracy for subsea fiber-optic and HVDC cables, where traditional USBL (Ultra-Short Baseline) acoustic systems often struggle with performance. This enhancement aims to reduce operational risk for offshore contractors during cable deployment.
The shallow-water configuration incorporates a GNSS positioning pod on the CableFish Survey Head to enable precise touchdown monitoring. The system accommodates cable diameters ranging from 20 mm to 100 mm.
The players
North Sea Systems
An offshore technology developer specializing in subsea instrumentation and subsea cable installation monitoring systems.
The details
The platform uses a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) pod to provide accurate coordinates in water depths under 15 meters, where traditional acoustic positioning signals often experience interference. Integration with the CableViewer software allows operators to see a real-time graphical representation of the cable position relative to installation parameters. This feedback loop allows for immediate corrective action, ensuring the cable follows the intended route during deployment.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: North Sea Systems announced the platform enhancements.
The Tech Race
This hardware update positions North Sea Systems to capture a larger share of the shallow-water offshore market by bypassing the limitations of acoustic USBL sensors. It follows a strategy of scaling the CableFish platform to handle larger, complex bundled HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) cables.
Offshore cable contractors will gain the ability to deploy infrastructure in shallower waters with higher precision than previous acoustic-reliant systems permitted. Operators can expect more reliable data on cable touchdown positions, reducing the risk of accidental cable damage or installation errors.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates a critical shift toward hybrid positioning sensors to handle the physical constraints of shallow-water cable laying. Industry stakeholders should watch for upcoming product demonstrations at industry trade events to verify the performance metrics against current acoustic standards.
Further reading
For broader coverage of advancements in subsea automation, visit our Robotics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ocean News & Technology.
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