SUBCO considers purchase of cable laying vessel and survey drone

SUBCO founder and co-CEO Bevan Slattery is considering significant investments to bolster Australia’s maritime survey and submarine cable capabilities. The company is weighing the purchase of an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for cable route surveys and ecological research, with a potential delivery target of December 2027.

Additionally, SUBCO is evaluating the acquisition of a submarine cable laying vessel, an asset Australia currently lacks. This investment, which could cost approximately US$165 million (AU$236 million) including remotely operated vehicles and ploughs, could see delivery by the end of 2029. Slattery indicated that the company expects government contributions from both Australia and the United States to support these sovereign capability investments.