Havhingsten/CeltixConnect-2 (CC-2)

Overview

The Havhingsten/CeltixConnect-2 (CC-2) submarine cable is a 301-kilometre regional system linking Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the United Kingdom across the Irish Sea. Operational since 2022, it provides critical connectivity within the British Isles, complementing longer international submarine systems that traverse the same waters. The cable is also known by its alternative designation, CC-2, reflecting its connection to the earlier CeltixConnect system in the region. Its design and routing emphasize regional integration, offering robust links between geographically proximate but distinct communities.

CC-2 is strategically significant as it enhances the digital infrastructure of the Irish Sea corridor, supporting data exchange and communications between Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the UK. It also provides redundancy and diversity for regional networks, which is particularly important for the Isle of Man, given its dual landing points on this cable. The system is owned and operated by a consortium of Bulk Infrastructure, EXA Infrastructure, and Meta, highlighting its importance to both traditional infrastructure providers and global technology firms.

Route and Landings

The Havhingsten/CeltixConnect-2 cable spans the Irish Sea, a relatively shallow and enclosed body of water separating Ireland and Great Britain, with the Isle of Man situated near its center. On the Irish side, the cable lands at LoughShinny, a coastal village north of Dublin, strategically positioned to serve Ireland's eastern seaboard. This landing connects Ireland to the broader network infrastructure of the British Isles.

On the Isle of Man, the cable is unique in having two distinct landing points: Port Erin on the island's south-western coast and Port Grenaugh on its south-eastern shore. This dual landing arrangement provides the Isle of Man with physical route diversity, enhancing its resilience against potential disruptions. In the United Kingdom, the cable terminates at Blackpool on England's north-western coast, a location with established connectivity to the UK's national and international networks. The route design ensures robust regional connectivity while leveraging the strategic geography of the Irish Sea.

Ownership and History

CC-2 is owned by Bulk Infrastructure, EXA Infrastructure, and Meta. Bulk Infrastructure, a Norwegian company, specializes in data centers and digital infrastructure across Northern Europe. EXA Infrastructure operates extensive long-haul and subsea fibre networks across Europe and the North Atlantic, while Meta, the global technology company, has invested in numerous submarine cables worldwide to support its extensive data requirements. This diverse ownership reflects the cable's dual role in serving both commercial and technological objectives.

The cable became operational in 2022, marking a significant addition to the regional connectivity landscape of the Irish Sea. Its construction and deployment were driven by the need for enhanced bandwidth, lower latency, and improved redundancy in the region. By linking Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the UK directly, CC-2 fills a niche for short-haul, high-capacity connectivity within the British Isles, complementing longer transcontinental systems that also traverse the Irish Sea.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Havhingsten/CeltixConnect-2 cable system includes 349 measured corridors, providing detailed insights into its performance. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) for the system is 20 milliseconds, while the average RTT across all measurements is 53 milliseconds. These figures highlight the cable's efficiency in facilitating low-latency communication across the Irish Sea.

The cable's performance metrics are consistent with its role as a regional system, where shorter distances and direct routes contribute to reduced latency. The dual landings on the Isle of Man further enhance its operational resilience, ensuring reliable connectivity even in the event of localized disruptions. By providing robust and efficient links between Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the UK, CC-2 plays a vital role in the digital infrastructure of the region, supporting both commercial and community needs.