Umbilical Cable Floats

What is an umbilical cable?

An umbilical cable is a specialized subsea cable used to transmit power, control signals, fluids, or gases between offshore platforms, subsea equipment, and onshore facilities. These cables are the lifeline of subsea operations, integrating electrical conductors, fiber optics, and hydraulic or chemical hoses into a single composite structure. They are essential in oil & gas production, offshore wind farms, subsea mining, and other marine engineering projects.

Why install floats on umbilical cables?

In subsea environments, heavy umbilical cables can sag under their weight, drag along the seabed, or become stressed by strong currents. Installing umbilical cable floats, also called umbilical buoyancy modules (ubms), helps keep the cable suspended at a controlled depth, reducing mechanical strain, preventing abrasion, and improving operational reliability. By adjusting buoyancy, engineers can create optimal cable profiles—such as catenary or lazy-wave configurations—that extend service life.

Characteristics and functions of umbilical cable floats

High buoyancy & lightweight structure – polyethylene outer layer with polyurethane foam inside, these floats provide reliable lift without adding significant mass.

Durability in harsh conditions – designed to resist seawater corrosion, hydrostatic pressure, and impact from waves or marine equipment.

Cable protection – prevents excessive bending, kinking, or contact with sharp seabed structures.

Modular design – floats are often split into two halves for easy installation around pre-laid cables without cutting or disconnecting them.

Depth rating – engineered for shallow to deepwater projects, with buoyancy performance maintained at high pressures.

Industries and platforms that use umbilical cable floats

Offshore oil & gas – floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs), semi-submersible rigs, and subsea wellheads.

Offshore wind farms – export cables and dynamic power cables connecting turbines to substations.

Subsea mining – power and control cables for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and seafloor equipment.

Oceanographic research – scientific data cables and instrument tethers.

Defense and marine security – underwater communication and surveillance systems.

Umbilical cable floats are critical components in subsea cable management, ensuring reliable operation, extended service life, and reduced maintenance costs. By combining advanced buoyancy materials with robust structural designs, they help industries operate safely and efficiently in some of the world’s harshest marine environments.