The risks and operational challenges of installing subsea interconnectors
On 27 August 2025, Waves Group joined leading voices from across the subsea power and insurance sectors at the Marsh Interconnector Forum in Singapore, where the discussion focused on the construction and operational challenges facing subsea interconnector projects across Asia.
As Asia accelerates its journey toward net zero, subsea interconnectors are becoming critical enablers of regional energy security. These projects, however, present some of the most complex technical, logistical, and geopolitical risks in the energy landscape.
Warren Inniss, Waves Group’s Head of Energy for APAC, contributed his perspective as both a Naval Architect and Board Director of the Society of Offshore Marine Warranty Surveyors (SOMWS). Warren explained the role of the Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS), an independent third party engaged by developers under Construction All Risk (CAR) insurance policies. The MWS helps minimise project risk by reviewing engineering calculations and method statements, inspecting vessels and equipment, and attending offshore operations to ensure safe, compliant execution.
“At Waves Group, we are proud to be a leading provider of MWS for subsea power cables. We also deliver a wide range of consultancy services across the maritime and shipping industries,” Warren said.
The Risk Landscape – Key Discussion Points
The panel explored the technical, commercial and operational realities shaping subsea interconnector projects in Asia, with parallels drawn from offshore wind developments worldwide:
- Technical and logistical risks: Lessons from the North Sea and other Asian countries show that mature markets are not immune to cable failure. Consideration should be given to similarities with export cables, which may represent only ~10% of a wind farm’s CAPEX, but they account for around 80% of insurance claims. Waves Group research has identified handling errors as a leading cause of cable damage, these findings were later reinforced by statistics provided by Loss Adjusters Lloyd Warwick in their presentation at the Forum.
- Geotechnical considerations: Highly variable and often dynamic seabed conditions across Asia demand careful geotechnical investigation and planning.
- Geopolitical challenges: The panel considered permitting, regulatory, and diplomatic challenges, due to interconnectors often spanning two or more countries, adding layers of additional complexity.
- Workforce and skills shortages: Demand for subsea cable projects is spreading experienced resources thin, with some key offshore roles being filled by individuals in their first or second project. This increases the risk of inconsistent quality, even from well regarded organisations, reinforcing the need for strong oversight from developers and insurers.
- Innovations in risk mitigation: Warren highlighted new approaches such as continuous fibre optic monitoring of cables, enhanced departure angle monitoring, and the application of AI to filter large volumes of sensor data. While commercially challenging, these tools could transform the ability to detect damage in real time.
Warren’s Perspective: Lessons Learned Offshore
Warren emphasised that subsea cable projects require careful management of both people and equipment:
- Developers must look beyond a contractor’s corporate track record and assess the specific team and vessel allocated to a project.
- Seemingly small operational details, for example, in the vessel’s weather window tolerance, can determine whether a project is technically feasible during seasonal monsoons.
- Even minor delays offshore can compound, creating significant risks, exposing cables to unacceptable fatigue levels.
- Greater transparency and information sharing between manufacturers, insurers, contractors, and developers is needed to understand faults and prevent repeat failures.
“Two of the biggest challenges are the global shortage of experienced offshore personnel and the lack of a complete picture of what is happening to cables during handling and installation,” Warren said. “Continuous monitoring and better data sharing are key to reducing failures and giving confidence to all stakeholders.”
Looking Ahead
The forum reinforced the urgency of improving technical understanding, quality control, and collaborative risk management if subsea interconnectors are to fulfil their role in Asia’s energy transition.
“Interconnectors are critical to delivering a resilient, sustainable energy future for Asia. At Waves Group, we help clients anticipate risks so that these essential projects can succeed.” Warren Inniss.
