Leading manufacturer of Marine Cables
At Custom Designed Cables, we design and manufacture high-performance marine cables and offshore cable solutions for demanding environments where reliability, safety and durability are critical. With over 20 years of cable manufacturing experience, we supply bespoke marine cable assemblies and custom cable solutions for applications including power distribution, instrumentation, control systems, telecommunications, subsea equipment and hybrid cable constructions.
Our marine cables are used throughout the maritime and offshore industries, including commercial vessels, naval applications, offshore oil and gas platforms, floating production units, harbours, docks, offshore wind farms, renewable energy installations and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
Every marine cable is engineered to withstand the harsh environmental conditions encountered at sea, including saltwater exposure, UV radiation, humidity, vibration, mechanical stress and extreme weather conditions.
Custom marine cables designed for harsh environments
Marine environments place unique demands on cable performance. Constant movement, exposure to corrosive elements and strict safety requirements mean standard industrial cables are often unsuitable.
Our bespoke marine cables are manufactured to deliver:
- Long-term reliability in offshore and marine environments
- Excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion
- Superior flexibility for moving equipment and vessels
- Resistance to oils, fuels and chemicals
- Low smoke, halogen-free performance
- Flame-retardant properties
- High mechanical strength and abrasion resistance
- Compliance with relevant marine and offshore standards
Whether you require a multicore control cable, instrumentation cable, hybrid cable solution or specialist subsea cable design, our engineering team can develop a cable tailored to your exact application.
Benefits of our marine cables
Corrosion resistance
One of the biggest challenges in marine environments is corrosion caused by continuous exposure to saltwater and moisture. Our marine cables utilise carefully selected materials and jacket compounds that provide excellent protection against corrosion, helping to maximise service life and reduce maintenance requirements.
Flame retardant and low smoke performance
Fire safety is a critical consideration on ships, offshore platforms and enclosed marine environments. Our marine cables are designed with flame-retardant and low smoke, halogen-free (LSHF) materials to help reduce flame propagation and minimise the release of harmful gases during a fire event.
Flexibility and vibration resistance
Marine vessels and offshore equipment are subject to constant movement, vibration and mechanical stress. Our marine cables are designed to maintain performance under continuous flexing and vibration, ensuring reliable operation throughout their lifespan.
Oil and Chemical Resistance
Many marine and offshore applications involve exposure to fuels, hydraulic fluids, lubricants and harsh chemicals. Our cable constructions are designed to withstand these substances while maintaining electrical and mechanical integrity.
Durability in Extreme Conditions
From offshore drilling platforms to subsea monitoring systems, marine cables must operate reliably in some of the world’s harshest environments. Our bespoke designs are developed to perform under demanding operating conditions, including temperature fluctuations, humidity and mechanical loading.
Applications for Marine and Offshore Cables
Our marine cables are commonly specified for:
- Marine power distribution systems
- Shipboard electrical systems
- Offshore oil and gas platforms
- Offshore wind farms
- Subsea equipment
- Remote operated vehicles (ROVs)
- Process control systems
- Instrumentation and monitoring systems
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Navigation and control systems
- Harbour and dockside installations
- Renewable energy projects
Our range of multicore and hybrid marine cables has been successfully deployed across marine vessels, offshore energy facilities and industrial process control environments where reliability is essential.
Marine Cable Standards and Certifications
Selecting the correct marine cable often involves meeting specific industry approvals and certification requirements. Depending on the application, marine cables may need to comply with standards and approvals from organisations such as DNV, IEC and other recognised marine classification bodies.
Cable construction for marine and offshore applications focuses on maintaining performance in extreme operating conditions where flame retardancy, low smoke emissions, environmental resistance and mechanical durability are essential.
For offshore drilling and subsea applications, additional requirements such as mud resistance may also be necessary.
Common Marine Cable Jacket Materials
The following jacket compounds are commonly used within marine cable constructions:
SHF1
Halogen-free thermoplastic compound offering excellent flame-retardant performance and environmental protection.
SHF1+
Enhanced halogen-free thermoplastic compound providing improved performance characteristics for demanding marine environments.
SHF2
Halogen-free thermosetting compound designed for superior durability and resistance to harsh operating conditions.
SHF2 Mud
A specialised halogen-free thermosetting compound offering additional mud resistance for offshore drilling and oil and gas applications.
Why Choose Custom Designed Cables?
Our expertise in marine cables lies in our ability to design and manufacture bespoke cable solutions that meet the exact requirements of each application. We work closely with customers throughout the design and manufacturing process, ensuring every cable assembly delivers the required electrical, mechanical and environmental performance.
When you work with Custom Designed Cables, you benefit from:
- Over 20 years of cable manufacturing expertise
- Bespoke marine cable design and development
- Full adherence to relevant industry standards
- Access to an extensive materials and component library
- Rapid prototyping and fast turnaround times
- Technical consultation and engineering support
- High-quality UK manufacturing
- Dedicated customer service throughout your project
Whether you require a single prototype or volume production, our team can help develop a reliable marine cable solution tailored to your application. Contact us today to discuss your marine cable requirements and receive a bespoke quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Cables
What is a marine cable?
A marine cable is a specialist electrical cable designed for use in maritime and offshore environments. Marine cables are engineered to withstand exposure to saltwater, humidity, vibration, mechanical stress and challenging weather conditions while maintaining reliable electrical performance.
They are commonly used on ships, offshore platforms, subsea equipment, ports, harbours and renewable energy installations.
What cable is best for marine use?
The best cable for marine use depends on the specific application, environmental conditions and performance requirements. Factors such as voltage rating, flexibility, flame resistance, chemical exposure and certification requirements should all be considered.
Our engineering team can help identify the most suitable marine cable solution based on your project’s requirements.
Are marine cables waterproof?
Marine cables are specifically designed to resist water ingress and withstand prolonged exposure to wet and humid environments. Many marine cable constructions offer excellent resistance to saltwater, moisture and environmental contamination, helping ensure long-term reliability in offshore and maritime applications.
How long do marine cables last?
The lifespan of a marine cable depends on factors including installation conditions, environmental exposure, mechanical stress and maintenance practices. High-quality marine cables that are correctly specified and installed can provide many years of reliable service in demanding offshore and marine environments.
What is the difference between marine cables and standard industrial cables?
Marine cables are specifically engineered for maritime environments and typically offer enhanced resistance to saltwater, corrosion, UV exposure, vibration, fire and mechanical stress. Standard industrial cables may not provide the same level of protection or comply with marine industry requirements.
Can marine cables be customised?
Yes. At Custom Designed Cables, we specialise in bespoke marine cable solutions. We can manufacture custom marine cables with specific conductor sizes, shielding configurations, jacket materials, voltage ratings and environmental performance characteristics to suit your exact application requirements.
