Cabling isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a financial and operational burden that hides a host of inefficiencies and risks. This article uncovers the true cost of maintaining and managing wired systems across the maritime sector.
Running cables across a vessel is expensive, time-consuming, and often requires dry-docking. Marine cables range from $1.2–6.14 per metre, depending on specifications, while dry-docking costs create substantial operational disruption. For ships with existing extensive cabling, adding new sensors can be simple via a short cable run, but for remote spots, the cost can outweigh the benefit. In the offshore wind sector, the typical cost of cable supply and installation is in the order of 8–12% of overall CAPEX costs.
Beyond the initial costs of cables and dry-docking, every new run of wiring comes with a project management burden that is often underestimated or overlooked. Any modification to shipboard cabling typically requires a qualified electrician or trained technician to carry out the work. These specialists are not always available at short notice. They need to be scheduled, contracted, and sometimes flown to wherever the vessel is located.
Wired solutions also suffer from a single point of failure. Physical damage, such as from mechanical accidents, flooding, or fire, can sever a cable connection, disabling monitoring over entire sections. In the offshore wind sector, cable failures are responsible for up to 80% of total financial losses. Repairing cables at sea is much more challenging than making repairs on land.
Wired networks also force crews into confined, hard-to-reach spaces for maintenance, which carries real safety risks. Cables themselves degrade quickly under salt, heat, and constant mechanical stress, driving up failures and maintenance costs. Furthermore, because wired infrastructure is fixed, it cannot adapt as shipowner and operator safety requirements and compliance standards evolve.
To find out more about how wireless technology is transforming maritime safety, efficiency, and data management, explore the full Thought Leadership report, Unlocking Safety and Operational Insights Through Wireless Intelligence, created in partnership with ScanReach.
