N0r5ke Viking 2

Overview

N0r5ke Viking 2 is a submarine cable system spanning approximately 900 km, connecting five landing points in Norway with two in Sweden. This cable is designed to enhance connectivity within the Scandinavian region, linking key coastal cities and facilitating cross-border communication between Norway and Sweden. Owned and operated by NOR5KE Fibre AS, a Norwegian fibre infrastructure company, the system is scheduled to be ready for service in 2028. By bridging the Norwegian and Swedish coasts, it plays a crucial role in supporting regional digital infrastructure and fostering economic ties between the two countries.

The cable builds on the success of its predecessor, N0r5ke Viking, which was completed in 2022. However, N0r5ke Viking 2 introduces a new dimension to regional connectivity by extending its reach into Sweden, thereby creating a more integrated Scandinavian network. Its strategic design ensures robust and redundant connections along the Norwegian coastline while establishing vital links to Sweden.

Route and Landings

The N0r5ke Viking 2 cable system traverses the North Sea and Skagerrak Strait, connecting seven landing points across Norway and Sweden. In Norway, the cable lands at Bergen, Kristiansand, Oslo, Porsgrunn, and Stavanger, covering a significant portion of the country's western and southern coastline. These cities are key economic and population centers, making them vital nodes for domestic and international data traffic. Bergen and Stavanger are prominent hubs for the energy sector, Kristiansand is a key industrial port, Porsgrunn is known for its manufacturing base, and Oslo, as the capital, is a major administrative and economic center.

In Sweden, the cable lands at Capri Strand and Lagunen, both situated along the southwestern coastline. These locations provide a direct subsea link to Norway, reinforcing cross-border connectivity. The Skagerrak Strait, which separates the two nations, is a natural corridor for submarine cables, enabling efficient and secure data transmission. By linking these strategic points, N0r5ke Viking 2 strengthens digital infrastructure and supports economic integration between Norway and Sweden.

Ownership and History

N0r5ke Viking 2 is wholly owned and operated by NOR5KE Fibre AS, a Norwegian company specializing in fibre infrastructure. This project represents the company's continued commitment to enhancing digital connectivity in the Scandinavian region. The cable is a successor to the original N0r5ke Viking system, an 810 km cable that became operational in 2022. While the original system focused exclusively on Norwegian connectivity, N0r5ke Viking 2 expands its scope by incorporating Swedish landing points, marking a significant step forward in regional integration.

The cable's development reflects a broader trend in the region to modernize and expand submarine cable networks. This trend includes other systems such as the Havfrue/AEC-2 (7,650 km, RFS 2020), the Svalbard Undersea Cable System (2,714 km, RFS 2004), and the Polar Circle Cable (1,004 km, RFS 2007). Within this context, N0r5ke Viking 2 is notable for its medium length and its role in connecting two nations, filling a unique niche in the Scandinavian submarine cable landscape.

What Our Measurements Show

Although N0r5ke Viking 2 is not yet operational, our monitoring of the region's existing submarine cables provides valuable insights into the potential performance of the system. The North Sea and Skagerrak Strait are known for their challenging conditions, including strong currents and variable seabed topography. However, modern cable-laying techniques and robust engineering designs have proven effective in ensuring reliability in similar environments.

The cable's planned landing points are strategically distributed to maximize redundancy and resilience. For example, the inclusion of multiple Norwegian cities such as Bergen, Stavanger, and Oslo ensures that the system can maintain connectivity even in the event of localized outages. Similarly, the cross-border links to Capri Strand and Lagunen in Sweden provide an additional layer of international redundancy. Once operational, N0r5ke Viking 2 is expected to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connections, further enhancing the digital infrastructure of the Scandinavian region.