Cable Protection System Inspection
CPS inspection that tells you exactly what has moved, and by how much
A cable protection system only does its job while it stays where it was installed. Hydrodynamic forces, sediment movement and installation issues can leave a CPS exposed, misaligned or under tension, and each of those is a deviation from the design that needs confirming and measuring before a repair can be planned. Our ROV CPS inspections survey the full run from the monopile bellmouth to the burial point by HD video and imaging sonar, log every anomaly with a position and a measurement, and hand over a report the operator can schedule remediation from, without divers in the water.
What a CPS inspection covers
- The exit from the bellmouth: the angle the CPS leaves the monopile, which shows whether the cable is under uneven tension.
- The full CPS run: every section from the bellmouth to the burial point, checked for exposed cable, damaged or missing sections and misaligned connections.
- Rock bags and stabilisation: whether the rock bags or mattresses are still in place and still doing their job, with gaps measured.
- The burial point and seabed: where the cable goes into the bed, cable running beyond its protection, scour and debris around the CPS.
- Cable movement over time: repeat surveys and photogrammetric monitoring that show where cables are and how they are moving, so the operator can plan for what comes next.
How we inspect a CPS
We use a compact observation-class ROV, the Ocean Modules V8 M500 or a VideoRay Mission Specialist Defender, carrying high-definition video and imaging sonar. The sonar gives the position and shape of the CPS, the rock bags and the seabed even where visibility is poor, and the video records the detail of each anomaly. The ROV holds position close to the monopile while measurements are taken.
Working from a compact system means the inspection mobilises quickly and runs from a crew transfer vessel or small workboat, with no containerised spread, support vessel or platform crane. Where an operator needs measured change over time, we add photogrammetry to produce a 3D model of the CPS and cable that can be compared survey to survey.
What you get back
- High-definition video of the full CPS run, bellmouth to burial point
- Imaging sonar of the CPS, rock bags and surrounding seabed
- Every anomaly logged with a position, a length and supporting imagery
- Exposed cable lengths and rock bag gaps quantified
- Seabed and scour assessment around the CPS
- A report built for remediation planning, so the operator fixes the right thing, once
A CPS inspection we have done
At turbine A11 on an operating wind farm the CPS looked exposed in places, the rock bags appeared to have gaps and the CPS seemed to leave the bellmouth at the wrong angle. We surveyed the full run with the V8 M500 and recorded six anomalies with positions and measurements, including about 7 metres of exposed cable and 2 metres of cable running beyond the rock bags, with the misalignment confirmed on the A11 to A12 connection. The operator could plan targeted remediation rather than a general survey of the whole array.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about cable protection system inspection
Straight answers on what moves, how it is measured and what the report gives you.
What is a cable protection system and why does it need inspecting?
A CPS carries the export or array cable from the monopile bellmouth to the point where it is buried, protecting it from abrasion, bending and movement. If it is exposed, misaligned or under tension the cable is at risk, and operators are expected to inspect it and show the protection is still doing its job.
Can an ROV measure exposed cable and rock bag gaps accurately?
Yes. Imaging sonar gives the position and shape of the CPS, the rock bags and the seabed even in poor visibility, and each anomaly is logged with a position and a length. On a recent inspection that meant about 7 metres of exposed cable and 2 metres of cable beyond the rock bags, measured rather than estimated.
Do you need a large vessel or divers?
No. The inspection runs from a crew transfer vessel or small workboat with a compact ROV that mobilises in hours, and nobody goes into the water.
Can you monitor cable movement between surveys?
Yes. Photogrammetric cable monitoring surveys produce a measurable 3D model of the CPS and cable, so repeat surveys show where the cable has moved and by how much rather than relying on a visual comparison.
How quickly can a CPS inspection be mobilised?
The ROV system sets up in hours rather than days and travels without a containerised spread, so the limiting factor is usually vessel availability and weather rather than the equipment.
Why work with us?
Expert Underwater Inspection Solutions You Can Rely On
Explore the benefits of working with Atlantas Marine for your inspection needs—leveraging advanced ROV technology, industry expertise, and comprehensive services to deliver accurate, efficient, and safe inspections for assets across various marine sectors.
We're fully self-sufficient. No support vessel or platform crane needed.
Our inspections are platform-launched, meaning we mobilise and operate directly from the asset being inspected, no support vessel required. That removes one of the highest costs and scheduling dependencies in a conventional photogrammetry programme.
We bring everything needed to run the operation. Our team arrives with a custom-built pressurised habitat and a PortaLARS system, so no platform crane is required. Bed space for three people is all we need from you.
This allows us to conduct thorough inspections of critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, offshore platforms, and subsea cables, ensuring the highest level of accuracy.
All we need from the platform:
- Beds for 3 personnel
- Food and drinking water
- Power supply
- Water supply for the CaviBlaster
Everything else, we bring.
Advanced ROV Technology
Atlantas Marine uses state-of-the-art ROVs equipped with high-definition cameras, advanced sonar systems, and precision manipulators to perform comprehensive underwater inspections. Our ROVs can capture real-time data with exceptional clarity, providing detailed imagery and 3D mapping, even in challenging underwater conditions.
This allows us to conduct thorough inspections of critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, offshore platforms, and subsea cables, ensuring the highest level of accuracy.
Increased Safety
By utilising ROVs for inspections, we eliminate the risks associated with using human divers in hazardous environments. Our ROVs can operate at depths and in conditions that are dangerous or inaccessible to divers, including high-pressure, low-visibility, and contaminated water environments.
This ensures that inspections are carried out safely, without compromising on quality, and reduces the risks to human life.
Comprehensive Reporting
Our inspection services come with detailed, actionable reports that provide a full overview of the findings. These reports include high-resolution images, video footage, and 3D models, as well as data from sonar systems and other sensors. With clear insights and recommendations, we help clients make informed decisions about repairs, maintenance, and compliance.
The comprehensive nature of our reporting ensures that no detail is missed and that clients have all the information they need.
Expertise Across Sectors
With experience spanning multiple sectors—including oil & gas, offshore renewables, marine research, and environmental monitoring—Atlantas Marine understands the unique challenges and requirements of each industry. Our expertise allows us to tailor our inspection services to meet the specific needs of your sector, ensuring that we provide relevant, industry-specific insights.
Whether it’s inspecting offshore wind turbine foundations or subsea pipelines, we deliver services that align with your operational goals.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Our ROV-based inspection services are a cost-effective alternative to traditional diver-led inspections. By using advanced technology, we reduce the need for manual intervention, lowering labor costs and minimising the risk of human error. Additionally, our efficient inspections mean faster results, saving both time and money while delivering high-quality data.
This approach is ideal for clients looking to optimise their operational budgets without compromising on the quality of their inspections.
Global Reach
Atlantas Marine provides inspection services worldwide, offering flexible support no matter where your project is located. Whether it’s a deep-sea exploration in remote waters or an offshore energy inspection near coastal regions, our team is equipped to handle projects on a global scale.
Our ability to mobilise quickly and efficiently ensures that we can support clients across multiple regions, helping you maintain the safety and integrity of your underwater assets, wherever they are.
Experienced Team
Our team of highly trained and certified ROV operators, engineers, and marine professionals bring decades of combined experience to every project. With extensive expertise in underwater inspections, our team is well-equipped to manage complex and challenging inspection tasks.
From planning and executing the mission to interpreting the data, our team ensures the highest level of professionalism, precision, and safety throughout the entire process.
Regulatory Compliance
Our inspection services are conducted in full compliance with local and international regulations and industry standards. We stay up to date with the latest guidelines from regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ensuring that our services meet the required safety, environmental, and operational standards.
This means that clients can trust us to help them stay compliant, avoid penalties, and meet the necessary legal requirements for their underwater assets.
Speak to our team about a cable protection system inspection that logs every anomaly with a position and a measurement, ready for remediation planning.