Canned Sardines? Not Quite, Cast Iron Shells!
At first glance, you might think these are canned sardines. But looks can be deceiving these are cast iron shells, a vital solution protecting subsea cables around the world from nature’s forces and human activities.
What Are Cast Iron Shells?
Cast iron shells (also known as split pipe castings, half shells, or articulated pipe sections) are robust, segmented pipe structures made from cast or ductile iron. They are clamped around subsea cables to provide:
- Mechanical protection against fishing gear, anchors, rocks, and dropped objects.
- Abrasion resistance on rocky seabeds and shore crossings.
- Weight and stability, ensuring cables sink and remain securely on the seabed.
- Controlled bending radius, safeguarding the cable’s MBR during and after installation.
With over 20 years of expertise in designing and supplying these systems, Vos Prodect is a trusted partner for subsea projects worldwide.
Typical Applications
Cast iron shells are used in critical zones where subsea cables require extra protection, such as:
- Shore-end protection: where cables exit onto the beach or enter the sea, exposed to waves and human activity.
- Cable crossings: when a new cable crosses existing pipelines or other cables.
- Rocky seabeds: preventing damage from sharp terrain and abrasion.
- Burial transitions: where a buried cable transitions to surface laying on the seabed.
- Emergency repair kits: engineered systems for safeguarding cable repair joints.
- Offshore construction: securing cable entry points and protecting free spans.
Innovation and Reliability
Whether for an offshore wind farm, telecom network, or energy project, Vos Prodect delivers solutions designed to withstand the harshest environments. Every cast iron shell is engineered with durability, efficiency, and reliability in mind, ensuring subsea cables remain safe and operational throughout the project’s lifetime.
👉 Learn more about how Vos Prodect protects subsea cables worldwide at www.vos-prodect.com.