TE SubCom starts production on Chevron's Big Foot undersea fiber optic communications system in deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Big Foot is a tension-leg platform located approximately 225 miles south of New Orleans, LA in water depths of 1,600 meters (5,200 feet). 61km of submarine cable, along with a dynamic riser and various subsea equipment, will connect to a branching unit of an existing network using SubComs proprietary OADM branching unit technology.
The Big Foot transmission requirements will be met by SubComs leading submarine line terminating equipment installed on the facility and in landing stations located in Mississippi and Texas. SubCom will be responsible for the installation, testing and commissioning of the cable system, and will be manufacturing all equipment needed for the project in its Newington, NH facilities.
"The Big Foot cable system will connect to the backbone of a larger system commissioned by SubCom in 2006 that was designed to support 64 platforms," said Derek Buffitt, Director Marine Engineering Solutions, TE SubCom. "Linking the two networks with our proven, reliable technology demonstrates the real capability of our communication solutions for the oil and gas industry. As oil exploration becomes more complex and challenging, SubCom will continue to provide the technology and expertise that ensure its clients communications needs are always met."
Under the terms of the contract the cable system is slated for completion in December 2013.