Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 해저 케이블 시스템 시장은 2025년에 202억 달러를 차지하고 예측 기간 동안 CAGR은 11.3%로 성장해 2032년에는 428억 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
해저 케이블 시스템은 해저에 설치된 광섬유 케이블의 네트워크로, 대륙간의 육상 통신 허브를 연결하고 있습니다. 이 케이블은 인터넷, 전화, 텔레비전 신호 등 방대한 양의 데이터를 전송해, 세계적인 커뮤니케이션을 촉진합니다.
유엔의 전문기관인 국제통신연합에 따르면 세계 인터넷 사용자 수는 2020년 460만명에서 2021년에는 약 490만명에 이릅니다.
국가간 및 섬간 접속 증가
고속 인터넷, 데이터 전송, 세계 통신에 대한 수요 증가가 해저 케이블 시스템에서 국가간 및 섬간 접속의 성장의 주요한 원동력이 되고 있습니다. 클라우드 컴퓨팅, 데이터센터 및 전자상거래의 부상은 견고하고 신뢰할 수 있는 네트워크의 필요성을 더욱 높여주고 있습니다.
케이블 손상 위험 및 보안 우려
케이블의 손상 위험과 안보 우려는 시장에 큰 과제가 됩니다. 해저 인프라를 표적으로 한 사이버 공격이나 방해 행위와 같은 보안 위협은 데이터의 무결성과 기밀성을 손상시킬 수 있습니다.
클라우드 컴퓨팅 및 데이터센터 성장
클라우드 컴퓨팅과 데이터센터의 성장은 해저 케이블 시스템의 확장에 있어 중요한 추진력입니다. 해저 케이블은 전 세계의 데이터 센터를 상호 연결하고 대륙을 가로지르는 원활한 데이터 전송을 촉진하는 데 필수적입니다.
숙련된 인재와 선박의 제한된 가용성
해저 케이블 시장에서는 숙련된 인재와 전문적인 선박이 한정되어 있는 것이 큰 과제가 되고 있습니다. 또한 케이블 부설 및 수리 작업에 대응할 수 있는 전문 선박의 부족은 비용을 증가시켜 세계 및 네트워크의 전반적인 신뢰성과 확장성을 저하시킬 수 있습니다.
COVID-19의 영향
COVID-19의 대유행은 세계공급 체인을 혼란시키고 건설을 지연시키고 비용을 증가시킴으로써 해저 케이블 시스템 시장에 큰 영향을 주었습니다. 팬데믹은 특히 여행의 제한과 노동력 부족 등 부설이나 보수의 과제에도 연결되어 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 다중 소유 시스템 부문이 최대가 될 전망
다중 소유 시스템 부문은 예측 기간 동안 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 다중 소유는 개별 관계자의 리스크를 줄이고 세계적인 연결성을 촉진하는데 도움이 됩니다.
예측기간 동안 통신분야의 CAGR이 가장 높아질 전망
예측기간 동안 가장 높은 성장률이 예상되는 것은 통신분야입니다. 수요가 증가함에 따라 견고한 해저 케이블 인프라에 대한 요구가 커지고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양이 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 전자상거래, 클라우드 컴퓨팅, 스트리밍 등의 디지털 서비스 증가로 신뢰성 높은 고속 접속의 요구가 높아지고 있어 시장의 성장을 더욱 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미가 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한 해상 풍력 발전 프로젝트의 확대에 의해 풍력 발전소로부터 본토에 송전하기 위한 해저 전력 케이블의 개발이 필요해, 시장의 성장을 한층 더 촉진하고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Submarine Cable Systems Market is accounted for $20.2 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $42.8 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period. Submarine cable systems are networks of fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor, connecting land-based telecommunication hubs across continents. These cables transmit vast amounts of data, including internet, telephone, and television signals, facilitating global communication. The cables are designed to withstand harsh underwater conditions, such as pressure, temperature variations, and potential damage from marine life or human activity. Submarine cable systems are essential for the functioning of the global digital economy, offering high-speed, reliable, and cost-effective data transmission. They also play a crucial role in connecting remote regions and supporting international trade and information exchange.
According to International Telecommunication Union, a specialized agency of the United Nations, the number of internet users worldwide reached around 4.9 Million in 2021, up from 4.6 Million in 2020.
Increasing inter-country and island connections
The increasing demand for high-speed internet, data transfer, and global communication is a key driver of the growth in inter-country and island connections in submarine cable systems. As nations and islands seek improved connectivity for economic development, digital transformation, and remote work, these cables provide essential infrastructure. The rise in cloud computing, data centers, and e-commerce further fuels the need for robust, reliable networks. Additionally, the ongoing push for regional connectivity and disaster resilience accelerates investments in submarine cable projects across remote locations.
Risk of cable damage and security concerns
The risk of cable damage and security concerns pose significant challenges to market. Natural disasters, underwater seismic activity, and human activities like fishing or anchoring can cause physical damage to cables, disrupting global communication. Additionally, security threats such as cyberattacks or sabotage targeting undersea infrastructure can compromise data integrity and confidentiality. These risks lead to costly repairs, downtime, and vulnerabilities in the global network, affecting businesses, governments, and consumers who rely on uninterrupted and secure data transmission.
Growth of cloud computing and data centers
The growth of cloud computing and data centers is a significant driver in the expansion of submarine cable systems. As businesses increasingly migrate to cloud-based services, the demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity intensifies. Submarine cables are essential for interconnecting global data centers, facilitating seamless data transfer across continents. Tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are heavily investing in undersea cable infrastructure to support their expansive cloud operations.
Limited availability of skilled personnel and vessels
The limited availability of skilled personnel and specialized vessels in the market poses a significant challenge. The installation, maintenance, and repair of submarine cables require highly trained engineers, technicians, and experienced crews. The shortage of qualified professionals can lead to delays in project timelines and hinder the efficient management of these complex systems. Furthermore, the lack of specialized vessels capable of handling cable-laying and repair operations can increase costs and reduce the overall reliability and scalability of global networks.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the submarine cable systems market by disrupting global supply chains, delaying construction, and increasing costs. With remote work and digital services surging, the demand for high-capacity data transmission grew, further highlighting the importance of robust submarine cable infrastructure. However, the pandemic also led to challenges in installation and maintenance, especially with restrictions on travel and labor shortages. Despite these hurdles, the market has seen a steady recovery as digital reliance continues to rise globally.
The multiple ownership systems segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The multiple ownership systems segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. This model enables shared investment and operational costs, improving the financial viability of large-scale cable projects. It encourages resource pooling, enhances network redundancy, and accelerates deployment. Multiple ownership helps reduce the risk for individual parties, promoting global connectivity. However, it also introduces challenges in governance, decision-making, and equitable access, requiring clear agreements among stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
The telecommunications segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the telecommunications segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. Submarine cables carry vast amounts of voice, data, and video traffic across oceans, connecting continents and facilitating international communication. The growing demand for high-speed internet, cloud services, and digital transformation has increased the need for robust submarine cable infrastructure. Telecom companies are key players, investing in new cables and upgrading existing networks to support growing bandwidth requirements and ensure connectivity.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share. Rapid economic development in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations fuels the demand for enhanced internet bandwidth and offshore wind energy, making the region a hotspot for submarine cable projects. Government initiatives, such as supportive policies and investments in infrastructure development, further create a conducive environment for the expansion of submarine cable networks. Additionally, the rise in digital services, including e-commerce, cloud computing, and streaming, increases the need for reliable and high-speed connectivity, further propelling market growth.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. The increasing demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity to support data-intensive applications such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G networks is a primary driver. Major technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, are investing heavily in private subsea cable projects to enhance global connectivity and reduce reliance on third-party networks. Additionally, the expansion of offshore wind energy projects necessitates the development of submarine power cables to transmit electricity from wind farms to the mainland, further fueling market growth.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Submarine Cable Systems Market include SubCom LLC, NEC Corporation, Nexans S.A., Prysmian Group, Hengtong Group Co., Ltd., LS Cable & System Ltd, Corning Incorporated, Hellenic Cables, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), The Okonite Company, TE Connectivity, America Fujikura Ltd., Tele-fonika Kable and Cablel Group.
In March 2025, Prysmian announced a 7-year framework agreement with N-Sea, a Dutch integrated subsea solutions service provider for rapid response maintenance and repair of submarine cables. This solution will complement Prysmian's proprietary monitoring solutions and its overall Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair (IMR) capabilities - bringing to the market the most effective solution to submarine cable maintenance and repair.
In January 2024, NEC Corporation India announced the successful completion of a flagship optical submarine cable system in Southern India connecting Kochi and the Lakshadweep Islands. NEC India was awarded with this project by BSNL in September 2021, completing it ahead of schedule in June 2023. Spanning approximately 1,870 kilometers, the system offers an initial capacity of 2x100 Gbps, expandable up to 1,600 Gbps per fibre pair.