Bulk Infrastructure proposes €552 million Norway-Canada fiber optic cable

Bulk Infrastructure, a Norwegian company, has presented a conceptual plan titled ‘Leif Erikson’ to establish a direct fiber optic connection between Norway and Canada. The project, estimated to cost over €552 million, aims to enhance digital resilience by creating a route that entirely bypasses United States territory, addressing a lack of diverse international connectivity options for Canada.

The proposed route involves laying approximately 4,600 kilometers of submarine cable from southern Norway to Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador. To complete the connection, an additional 1,900 kilometers of cable would be laid overland through Quebec, terminating in Montreal. Technical planning and economic analyses were initiated by WFN Strategies in 2021.

Despite interest from BGO (a subsidiary of Sun Life Financial) and various Canadian pension funds, which hold majority stakes in Bulk Infrastructure, the project faces significant financial and regulatory hurdles. The company is currently seeking a leading Canadian partner to secure full funding, a confirmed customer base, and a definitive construction start date.