Intertek Backs Safer, Greener Offshore Telecom Networks

Intertek brings its marine survey and installation expertise to the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) as it seeks to support safe and environmentally responsible offshore infrastructure, including undersea telecommunications and energy networks.

According to the World Economic Forum, the ocean absorbs between 23 and 31% of human-produced CO₂ and over 90% of the excess heat trapped in the atmosphere. 

These functions are critical in managing climate balance, while the ocean economy generates more than US$2.6tn every year.

Telecommunications networks are a key part of the ocean economy. Subsea cables span the seafloor, connecting continents and carrying over 95% of international data. 

The installation and maintenance of these systems, however, raises challenges for marine ecosystems. 

Disruptions to seabed habitats, electromagnetic emissions and underwater noise are among the environmental concerns linked to telecom infrastructure projects offshore.

Intertek, a Total Quality Assurance provider with over four decades of experience in marine projects, joins IMCA to address these challenges and support improved environmental and operational outcomes for subsea telecoms and offshore energy.

Andrew Page, Head of Site Characterisation and Engineering at Intertek, says: “Joining IMCA reflects our commitment to advancing safety, sustainability and collaboration across the marine industry.”

Supporting cable rollouts with marine insight

As demand for high-capacity subsea cables grows, developers face mounting expectations to balance infrastructure needs with environmental safeguards. 

Telecom operators, cloud providers and network vendors increasingly rely on safe and compliant offshore construction to keep global connectivity online.

Surveying plays a central role in reducing environmental impact. Seafloor assessments identify areas of ecological sensitivity before cable routes are finalised. These surveys also guide the safest and most efficient approaches for laying cables and building associated infrastructure.

Intertek’s experience across offshore site characterisation, geotechnical studies and risk management allows clients to meet both environmental regulations and operational goals. 

Through the work, the company enables its partners to optimise cable routes, avoid biologically sensitive areas and limit sediment disturbance during installation.

Subsea infrastructure interacts with a wide range of marine conditions. Artificial electromagnetic fields from power and data transmission may affect the navigation and migration of certain species. 

Physical construction activities introduce noise and vibration into marine environments. Intertek supports clients in mitigating these impacts through environmental baselines, acoustic monitoring and adaptive operations.

The company's membership of IMCA positions it to influence standards and collaborate with over 700 member organisations globally. IMCA represents contractors and specialists involved in offshore engineering, installation and marine operations.

Andrew says: “We’re proud to contribute our expertise to industry best practices and to work alongside a diverse network of stakeholders driving innovation and responsible development in offshore energy.”

Subsea telecom growth and environmental pressures

Telecoms expansion undersea shows no signs of slowing. As demand for low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity grows across global markets, the subsea cable industry continues to lay new infrastructure across oceans and seabeds. 

These installations not only power communications but also support offshore data centres, energy platforms and autonomous systems reliant on high-speed connections.

Offshore infrastructure, whether for data or energy transmission, creates a physical footprint. Subsea cables and platforms can alter water movement, disturb sediment layers and displace habitats. 

Construction vessels and operations may also introduce pollutants and acoustic disturbances into marine systems.

To counter these effects, environmental surveying and lifecycle monitoring are built into modern marine project planning. Intertek supports developers by aligning infrastructure deployment with sustainable practices.

It includes environmental impact assessments, sediment transport modelling, acoustic analysis and biodiversity tracking.

Intertek’s entry into IMCA strengthens industry efforts to harmonise practices across marine telecom and energy projects. 

With both sectors sharing similar environmental touchpoints, such collaboration promotes consistency and shared learning.

Towards a safer ocean infrastructure sector

By aligning with IMCA, Intertek reinforces the role of expert surveying, environmental science and compliance in the delivery of global undersea networks.

Its support of safer telecom cable deployment reflects the rising importance of sustainable infrastructure across digital and energy sectors.

As more offshore projects emerge, companies across telecommunications, cloud computing and renewable energy must invest in responsible seabed use. Intertek’s involvement with IMCA helps shape a future where connectivity and conservation progress together.