Beyond the Cable: Prysmian’s Integrated Approach to Submarine Infrastructure

Submarine cable infrastructure is playing an increasingly strategic role in connecting countries and communities, enabling the transmission of energy and data across the world.

As electrification and digitalisation accelerate, the development of reliable, resilient and high-performance submarine networks is becoming essential to support the infrastructure required by a more connected world.

Building on its global leadership in submarine cable technology, Prysmian is strengthening its position across the submarine value chain, combining technological innovation, manufacturing excellence, engineering expertise and increasingly integrated installation capabilities.

Accelerating vertical integration

Submarine cable projects are complex infrastructure developments and their successful execution requires extensive expertise across multiple phases, from engineering and manufacturing to marine operations, installation and protection.

Prysmian’s strategy is increasingly focused on vertical integration, bringing together complementary capabilities, assets and expertise to provide customers with a more comprehensive and integrated offering.

The acquisition of ACSM represents an important step in this direction. The Spain-based company brings over 20 years of experience in submarine cable installation solutions, including subsea surveying, route planning and seabed preparation, further expanding Prysmian’s capabilities across the submarine value chain.

By bringing these capabilities in-house, Prysmian is accelerating the full vertical integration of its submarine activities and strengthening its position as a one-stop shop for energy and telecom customers.

“Vertical integration is a key part of how we are strengthening our position in the submarine market. By bringing together cable technology, manufacturing, engineering, marine operations and installation expertise, we can manage increasingly complex projects through a more integrated approach and provide our customers with a broader range of capabilities across the entire submarine value chain,” says Giacomo Rizzi, APAC HVDC Business Director.

Expanding capabilities in submarine telecom

Prysmian is applying the same integrated approach to the submarine telecommunications market, a strategic infrastructure segment supporting global digital connectivity.

The acquisition of Xtera, completed in October 2026 through the joint venture between Prysmian and Fincantieri, marks a significant step in the Group’s expansion in submarine telecom. Xtera brings proprietary repeater technology as well as expertise in regional and long-haul submarine systems, complementing Prysmian’s existing capabilities in submarine cable technology, manufacturing and installation.

The combination strengthens Prysmian’s ability to address the submarine telecom market with a broader portfolio of technologies and solutions, supporting its evolution from cable manufacturer to an increasingly integrated solutions provider.

At the same time, Prysmian is doubling its submarine telecom cable production capacity at its centre of excellence in Nordenham, Germany, further reinforcing its industrial capabilities in the sector.

“Submarine telecom is becoming an increasingly strategic infrastructure market, driven by the continuous growth of global data connectivity. By combining Prysmian’s expertise in submarine cable technology with Xtera’s submarine systems and repeater technology, we are expanding our ability to address this market with an increasingly integrated offering,” says Davide Taddei, Submarine Telecom Business Director.