System, device and method for deploying and monitoring subsea cables

摘要

A subsea cable monitoring arrangement comprises a monitor housing 300 coupled to a subsea cable 12, the monitor housing 300 containing an imaging device (e.g. camera) that relays image data of the touchdown point 100 of the cable 12, via a communication device, to a surface receiver. The monitor housing 300 comprises survey equipment mounted on a trolley, which runs freely on the cable 12. The trolley may be provided with a motor to move it along the cable 2. The trolley is tethered to an umbilical 22 which controls the position of the trolley, powers the survey equipment and provides a data link between the survey equipment and a cable-laying vessel 10. The umbilical 22 is contained and controlled by cable runners 18 which can run up and down the subsea cable 12. The cable runners 18 comprise: a body configured to be coupled to the cable 12 via runner elements (e.g. balls 202); a coupling ring 204 for engaging the umbilical 22; and a quick-release closure member. During installation of the cable 12 on the seabed, the monitor housing 300 is located close to a touchdown point 100 of the cable on the seabed and is retracted along the cable 12 as it is laid, image data being relayed to the surface receiver.