International Cable Protection Committee

The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) is pleased to announce the success of the 2022 ICPC Virtual Plenary that recently took place online from 26th – 27th April. Close to 300 ICPC Members registered to attend the event, along with 45 guest observers, and over 20 invited speakers, gathered online from around the globe for over two days to listen, learn, and discuss a diverse set of topics about the vital importance of submarine cables and their protection worldwide. From the opening presentation on maritime security from NATO to a Naval speech on marine spatial planning, and on to such topics as submarine cable permitting, fibre optic monitoring and ocean ecosystems, the Plenary remained fully engaged with its listeners and participants.

Newly elected ICPC Chairman, Mr Graham Evans commented: ‘Although the ICPC Executive Committee had to make the tough decision to hold the 2022 ICPC Plenary online due to travel restrictions for many of our ICPC Members, we felt it was in the best interest to host this year’s Plenary virtually. However, we had a great turnout with lively Member interactions, a wide array of presentations, and participation from government entities and those with an interest in the submarine cable community, including students attending as observers for research. We look forward to seeing you in-person next year.’

The ICPC is pleased to announce the 2023 ICPC Plenary will take place in Madrid, Spain from 18th – 20th April 2023. Stay tuned later this year for full details regarding the ‘Call for Papers’, venue details, and registration. If interested in learning more about the ICPC, its annual Plenary, or how to become a Member, please send all enquiries to secretariat@iscpc.org. For a perspective on the variety of subjects presented at the 2022 Plenary, the full programme can be viewed via the following link.

2022 Virtual ICPC Plenary Theme: Installing, Operating and Maintaining Resilient Submarine Cable Infrastructure in a Rapidly Evolving Global Environment

The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) is pleased to announce it now seeks presentation abstracts that speak to the conference’s wide-ranging theme addressing resilient submarine cable infrastructure. Recommended topics include, but are not limited to the following:

• Innovative cable protection methods that minimise impacts on the marine environment
• Ensuring network reliability against a background of continuing climate change
• Science as it is applied to submarine cable system design, routing, and protection
• Installer, operator, and government measures to enhance cable system security
• Cooperation with other seabed users and/or regulators to protect infrastructure, marine industries, and biodiversity

The 2022 Virtual ICPC Plenary will be held online from 26th-27th April 2022. The event is closed to ICPC Members, selected speakers and invited guests, but non-Members are welcome to submit a presentation abstract for consideration via the link here. The deadline for abstracts is Friday, 4th February 2022 and all presentation guidelines are detailed in the ‘Call for Papers’ below.

In May 2021, The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) launched a campaign to hire a UK-based Project Manager, and after a thorough review process of qualified candidates, the ICPC has selected Mr John Wrottesley to fill this new role and they are pleased to announce his contract with the organisation commenced on 14th September 2021. Mr Wrottesley joins the team from Red Penguin (an Associate Member company of the ICPC).

As Project Manager, Mr Wrottesley will coordinate and oversee the organisation’s sponsored projects and additional research initiatives as well as ICPC Recommendations (which are document guides to aid the submarine cable industry in promoting the highest goals of reliability and safety in the submarine cable environment). The new Project Manager will work under the oversight of the ICPC General Manager, Mr Ryan Wopschall, and will collaborate closely with the Secretariat, the Executive Committee, International Cable Law Adviser, Marine Environmental Adviser, and UN Observer Representative.

Mr Wrottesley has been working in the submarine cable industry for 13 years, primarily in permitting for cables relating to the telecommunications, energy (offshore wind and interconnectors) and oil and gas industries around the globe. He has been involved in submarine cable industry bodies for many years and was the Chairman of the Technical and Regulatory Subgroup within European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA). Presently, he is the Liaison Officer for ESCA in addition to his work for the ICPC.

When asked about his new appointment, Mr Wrottesley stated, ‘Having already being very familiar with the ICPC over the years, I am honoured to now be involved in the significant day-to-day activities of the ICPC and grateful to operate more closely on their achievements for the worldwide submarine cable community. I look forward to working with the ICPC General Manager, Secretariat, EC and Advisers, and contributing to the continued great work undertaken by the ICPC.’