Australia Investigates Damage To 2 Critical Undersea Communication Cables Off Perth
Our take
The recent investigation into damage to two undersea communication cables near Perth, Australia, underscores a growing vulnerability in our globally interconnected infrastructure. These cables, vital arteries for international data transmission, are increasingly susceptible to a range of threats, both natural and, as this case suggests, potentially malicious. The involvement of the Federal Police signals a serious concern, moving beyond mere technical fault to a possible act of deliberate interference. The incident echoes previous concerns about cable security, particularly given the geopolitical climate, and highlights the fragility of systems we often take for granted. Considering the recent explosion at Port of Rotterdam’s refinery & fuel terminal [Explosion At Port Of Rotterdam’s Refinery & Fuel Terminal Kills 1 & Injures Several Others], and the tragic events surrounding the ferry fire near Bali [Video: One Dead, Several Missing After Ferry Catches Fire Near Bali], it’s clear that maritime infrastructure faces escalating risks across multiple vectors.
The sheer scale of the global subsea cable network is staggering; it’s estimated that over 99% of international data flows through these cables, traversing vast ocean depths. While natural events like earthquakes and strong currents can cause damage, the possibility of intentional disruption—whether through physical attack, cyber intrusion, or even accidental damage from maritime activity—is a significant and escalating concern. The hypothetical scenario explored in "Say a 1.2 megaton bomb were to be detonated roughly 6.8 miles deep underwater would it part the Ocean for a brief period exposing the sea floor?" [Say a 1.2 megaton bomb were to be detonated roughly 6.8 miles deep underwater would it part the Ocean for a brief period exposing the sea floor?] provides a stark, if extreme, illustration of the potential for catastrophic disruption, even from events not directly targeting the cables themselves. This incident near Perth necessitates a thorough investigation and a reassessment of preventative measures.
The economic and strategic implications of disrupted communication cables are profound. Beyond the immediate impact on internet connectivity and data transfer, prolonged outages can cripple financial markets, disrupt supply chains, and impede critical government operations. The current geopolitical landscape, characterized by increasing competition and potential conflicts, further amplifies these concerns. Protecting these vital assets requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating enhanced physical security measures, robust monitoring systems, and improved international cooperation. Furthermore, the development and deployment of redundant cable routes and alternative communication technologies, such as satellite-based systems, are crucial for ensuring resilience in the face of potential disruptions. Investment in real-time ocean intelligence and integrated data ecosystems is paramount to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
Looking ahead, the investigation's findings will be critical in informing future security protocols and infrastructure investments. The increasing density of cables in certain regions, coupled with the growing demand for bandwidth, creates a complex challenge. How can we balance the need for reliable and affordable communication with the imperative of safeguarding these essential assets against evolving threats? The incident off Perth serves as a stark reminder that the ocean's depths, while vast and seemingly remote, are increasingly a critical battleground for global security and economic stability, demanding continuous vigilance and proactive mitigation strategies.
Australia’s Federal Police is assessing a report of crime after two subsea communication cables developed faults close to each other and one after another off Perth.
The cables are owned by Subco. Its founder and chief executive, Bevan Slattery, said the Indigo-West and Indigo-Central cables suffered “shunt faults” inside the Submarine Cable Protection Zone off Perth.
Slattery also said a vessel was operating near the location around the time the faults occurred. He described the activity as “suspicious/coincidental” but did not say the vessel had caused the damage.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed it had received a report of crime and is currently assessing the information. Authorities have not confirmed that the cables were deliberately damaged.
What happened to the cables?
Slattery said the two cables developed faults “straight after each other and in close proximity to each other”.
The Indigo-West cable connects Perth with Indonesia and Singapore. The Indigo-Central cable connects Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales.
Both cables are located within the Submarine Cable Protection Zone off Perth.
The protected area extends 60 nautical miles from City Beach, reaches a depth of 2,000 metres and covers one nautical mile on either side of the cables.
Slattery called the incident concerning and asked the AFP to investigate it urgently. He said it could become the second incident involving possible sabotage inside a federally declared cable protection zone if deliberate damage is eventually confirmed.
There is currently no official confirmation of sabotage.
What is a shunt fault?
A shunt fault happens when the insulation around a cable conductor is damaged. This can allow unwanted contact with another conductor or the ground, effectively creating a short circuit.
A shunt fault does not by itself show what caused the damage.
Undersea communication cables sit on the seabed and are about the width of a garden hose. They can be damaged accidentally, including by ships’ anchors, but they can also be cut deliberately.
David Brewster, a senior research fellow at the National Security College at the Australian National University, said there have been several cable-cutting incidents in Europe and around Taiwan in recent years.
He said it can be difficult to determine the cause of some incidents, although he believes state actors including Russia and China were responsible in a number of cases.
He did not link those incidents to the faults reported off Perth.
Why the cables matter to Australia?
Subsea cables are important to Australia’s connection with the rest of the world.
Brewster said Australia has 16 subsea cables carrying 99% of the country’s international communications. He said these connections support the Australian economy and everyday activities.
“Just about every app, every cloud-based application, every Google search” depends on international communications in some way, he said.
A major disruption could therefore affect businesses, digital services and people’s daily lives.
Australia needs more cables, expert says
Brewster said cable protection zones can provide some protection but cannot completely prevent a determined person or group from damaging a cable.
He also said cyber attacks against cable infrastructure are difficult to prevent.
According to Brewster, having more cables would reduce Australia’s dependence on individual connections.
“The more cables you have, the less vulnerable you are,” he said.
He argued that Australia needs more subsea cables to reduce the risk of disruption.
Most cables are privately owned
Brewster also raised questions about who owns and operates Australia’s subsea cables.
He said the cables are privately owned, with an increasing number owned by U.S. technology companies such as Meta, Google and Amazon.
This means some important communications infrastructure is owned by private companies based outside Australia.
Brewster said the Australian government has limited influence over how these privately owned cables are operated and repaired.
He also pointed to another issue: there is no single government department or agency responsible for all aspects of the subsea cable sector.
Several government departments have responsibility for different parts of the industry.
“We need to nominate an agency to take responsibility for protecting the cables and any response,” Brewster said.
He said it was not always clear to private cable operators who they should contact within the government when a cable is damaged or disrupted.
References: ABC News, TOI
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