By investigating potential cable routes across the Arctic Ocean, Polar Connect provides essential knowledge and planning data for future digital infrastructure and alternative connections to today’s heavily utilised and vulnerable data routes between Europe and Asia. Polar Connect aims to establish a secure, resilient and high-capacity digital corridor between Europe and East Asia across the Arctic Ocean.

Seabed surveys for future Arctic connectivity

The expedition will focus on seabed mapping and data collection in the central Arctic Ocean. Activities include multibeam bathymetric mapping, geophysical surveys and oceanographic measurements to support future cable route planning and marine investigations. A similar seabed survey was conducted in 2025 as part of the Canada–Sweden Arctic Ocean 2025 expedition.

Polar Connect is also investigating how future fibre-optic infrastructure can support ocean, climate and geophysical observations through advanced sensing technologies and continuous data collection. These capabilities could enable long-term environmental monitoring and scientific observations in areas of the Arctic Ocean that are otherwise difficult to access.

Knowledge exchange and international collaboration

In addition to scientific and technical survey work, the expedition will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic discussions on future Arctic infrastructure and international cooperation. Researchers, infrastructure specialists and operational stakeholders with expertise in Arctic environments, seabed investigations, data management and digital connectivity will gather on board Oden to discuss technical, scientific and strategic aspects of Arctic connectivity.

The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat contributes Arctic operational expertise and access to critical research infrastructure, ensuring that Polar Connect is grounded in practical feasibility through icebreaker-based expeditions, seabed investigations and data collection in the Arctic Ocean. The initiative builds on decades of Arctic operational experience and access to unique polar infrastructure.

The expedition is carried out within the framework of the Polar Connect initiative and contributes to the ongoing work in Polar Connect Step 2 (PC2), building on studies and surveys conducted under Polar Connect Step 1 (PC1). PC2 continues the Arctic seabed surveys, cable route studies and technical preparations required for the future deployment of a submarine cable system across the Arctic Ocean.

Polar Connect Step 2 is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Project Acronym: 24-EU-DIG-PC2