The ARIMAO submarine cable, spanning approximately 2,470–2,500 km between Cuba and Martinique, was laid to enhance Cuba's international connectivity, with careful attention to cable tension, damping, and vibration characteristics.

Cable Construction and Deployment

The ARIMAO cable is a fiber optic submarine cable designed to improve internet and broadband connectivity between Cuba and Martinique. Its deployment began on December 8, 2022, from the Tricontinental Port in Cienfuegos, Cuba, and the cable reached Martinique by January 10, 2023 . The cable is approximately 2,470–2,500 km long and was installed by the French company Orange S.A. in cooperation with Cuba's ETECSA S.A. . The project includes both the submarine portion and a terrestrial integration at landing points, which involves connecting equipment and systems to ensure operational functionality . The cable-laying process used specialized ships, such as the Pierre de Fermat, to carefully lay the cable along the seabed, minimizing stress and avoiding damage. The installation process also considers seabed topography, water depth, and environmental conditions to ensure long-term reliability .

Vibration and Damping Considerations

Submarine cables, including ARIMAO, are subject to vibrations caused by ocean currents, waves, and mechanical tension. Proper evaluation of these vibrations is essential to maintain cable integrity and signal performance. Techniques for cable vibration measurement include:

• 3-dimensional accelerometers placed on the cable to record movements.
• Determination of eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes, which are unique to each cable depending on its tension, dimensions, anchorage type, and supports.
• Calculation of damping values by analyzing the decay of vibration amplitudes, which helps engineers assess how quickly oscillations diminish and prevent fatigue or damage . These measurements allow engineers to calculate tensioning forces accurately and ensure that the cable can withstand environmental stresses over its operational life. Each cable segment is individually evaluated to optimize safety and performance .

Current Status and Connectivity Impact

After the physical laying of the ARIMAO cable, connection tests and integration of terrestrial systems are ongoing to bring the cable fully online . Once operational, the cable is expected to diversify and increase Cuba's international connectivity, complementing existing cables like ALBA-1, and providing more reliable internet access for the island . In summary, the ARIMAO cable project combines advanced submarine cable construction techniques with rigorous vibration and damping evaluation to ensure a robust, long-term solution for Cuba's international telecommunications needs.