Submarine Cable Repair Capacities – Pilot Works

Overview

Funding to develop and deploy modular repair equipment for submarine telecom cables in the Baltic Sea, enabling rapid emergency response to incidents that threaten EU digital sovereignty. Targets public entities with an emergency response mandate.

Who Can Apply

Public entities with a formal emergency response mandate, including port authorities, maritime agencies, or other government bodies responsible for critical infrastructure resilience.

Funding Details

Not specified in provided context.

What Is Funded

• Development and deployment of adaptable repair modules for submarine telecom cables.
• Pre-configuration of at least three flat-deck vessels to host the modules, including costs for vessel adaptation if compliant with call conditions.
• Operational capabilities, governance, and coordination mechanisms with Regional Cable Hubs or other emergency-declaring authorities.
• Storage and installation logistics, including rationale for location selection.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Solutions must demonstrate adaptability, portability, and scalability for rapid deployment (within 3 days of vessel arrival at port/shipyard).
• Proposals must align with CPEI Area 8 ("Multipurpose vessel(s) and modular equipment stock") and meet criteria from Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/779 (Points 26 and 27).
• Vessels must be pre-configured or adaptable without regulatory/technical barriers.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-02-04T23:00:00Z
• Deadline: 2026-05-05T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include:

• Application form (Parts A and B).
• Detailed budget table per work package.
• Letter of support/MS agreement.
• Timetable (Gantt chart).
• Security compliance declaration.
• Business plan financial spreadsheet.
• Ownership control declaration.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible region: Baltic Sea area (as defined by the Helsinki Convention, including Skagerrak and adjacent waters).
• Language: English.

Notes

• Applicants must guarantee vessel availability for at least 10 years via lease or service-level agreements if vessels are third-party owned.
• Coordination with future Regional Cable Hubs is mandatory.
• Digital security requirements apply (details in call document).
• A follow-up call for other EU sea basins is planned for late 2026.