In September 2019, Orange announced the acquisition of a new ship through its fully-owned Italian subsidiary Elettra tlc, that will be equipped to carry out various marine activities linked to submarine cables projects, particularly marine route surveys. Elettra tlc and its French counterpart, Orange Marine, are globally recognised companies dedicated to marine services for submarine cables, operating worldwide.

Surveys of marine routes are a key step to choose the right cable routes and ensure the viability of the systems throughout their lifespan. These operations are carried out by companies specialised in marine activities, such as Elettra, and require ships with the proper equipment and skilled staff.

The vessel arrived in Naples in mid-October to be completely renovated and equipped with state-of-the-art bathymetry equipment, equipment to study the nature of the seabed and a new dynamic positioning system. She then joined her home port Catania and will start her activities, under the Italian flag and with her new name, “Urbano Monti”.

This ship will strengthen the position of Orange Marine and Elettra in the market of marine activities related to submarine cables, in addition to the traditional missions of cable installation and maintenance performed by the existing cable ships fleet.

Submarine cables are the backbone of the internet and are currently undergoing a major development around the world, fuelled by new investments from new players in addition to traditional international operators. Orange is a major investor in over 40 submarine cables to date and continues to invest in a great number of projects to offer enriched, high-quality connectivity throughout the world.