The UK has endorsed a feasibility study for a new subsea data cable linking the Shetland Islands and Norway, spearheaded by Vodafone Three. The initiative aims to enhance national resilience against foreign threats to critical infrastructure and boost economic connectivity. Initial research by WPI Strategy highlights potential economic value for businesses, public services, and defence.
This would be the first new direct cable between Norway and Scotland in 25 years, complementing three existing cables and one planned. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of protecting undersea cables from adversaries targeting critical national infrastructure. The study, beginning next summer, follows another examining a Shetland-Scotland cable.
The proposal underscores deeper UK-Norway strategic ties, highlighted at the Atlantic Future Forum in Oslo. It comes amid increased focus on foreign interference with underwater infrastructure, including a Russian submarine operation surveying cables and pipelines. Military officials stress layered defences, including detection technologies and intelligence, to deter and disrupt threats.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing