Kårstø: A Coastal Link Connecting Norway and Beyond
Kårstø, a small landing point on Norway’s western coast, plays a modest yet significant role in the country's submarine cable infrastructure. Hosting two cables,
Tampnet North and
Eviny Digital, this location provides connectivity both within Norway and internationally, linking it to the United Kingdom. While Kårstø may not rival larger hubs like
Stavanger or
Bergen in cable count, its position in Norway’s network is notable for its strategic connections and reliable latency.
Tampnet North: Bridging Norway and the UK
The Tampnet North cable, operational since 1999, is a 1751 km-long international link that connects Kårstø to Aberdeen in the United Kingdom and
Øygarden in Norway. This cable is part of a broader chain that facilitates communication and data transfer across the North Sea. For industries reliant on cross-border operations, such as energy and shipping, Tampnet North provides a direct route to the UK, reducing dependency on more congested hubs like Stavanger or Bergen.
GeoCables’ latency monitoring reveals an average round-trip latency of 61 ms for connections through Kårstø, with the best observed latency being just 28 ms. These measurements highlight the efficiency of this international cable, making it a reliable option for enterprises requiring low-latency communication between Norway and the UK.
Eviny Digital: Strengthening Domestic Connectivity
The Eviny Digital cable, launched in 2020, is a shorter domestic connection spanning 210 km. It links Kårstø to Bergen and Stavanger, two of Norway’s larger coastal cities. While this cable does not extend beyond national borders, it plays a critical role in reinforcing regional connectivity along Norway’s western coastline. For local businesses and residents, Eviny Digital ensures stable communication with nearby urban centers, supporting industries and services that depend on seamless data exchange.
Kårstø’s Role in Norway’s Submarine Cable Network
Norway’s submarine cable infrastructure consists of 18 cables spread across 43 landing points. Kårstø, with its two cables, ranks in the top 88% of landing points by cable count. While it is smaller in scale compared to hubs like
Kristiansand, which hosts seven cables, Kårstø’s connections are strategically valuable. The international reach provided by Tampnet North complements the domestic focus of Eviny Digital, creating a balanced network that serves both local and cross-border needs.
Regional Context and Connectivity
Kårstø’s neighbors, such as Stavanger and Bergen, have more extensive cable networks, hosting four and three cables respectively. These larger hubs often act as gateways for international traffic and major domestic routes. Kårstø, in contrast, serves as a quieter yet dependable link in the chain, ensuring that connectivity reaches smaller towns and industries along the coast. Its role is particularly important for maintaining redundancy and distributing traffic more evenly across Norway’s western coastline.
Conclusion
Though not a major hub, Kårstø’s submarine cable connections are integral to Norway’s broader network. The Tampnet North cable provides a direct international link to the UK, while Eviny Digital strengthens domestic ties to nearby cities. With reliable latency and strategic positioning, Kårstø ensures that both local and international connectivity needs are met, supporting industries and communities along Norway’s rugged coast.