Stepping onto IB Oden in the high Arctic is unlike stepping onto any other vessel. The air is sharper, the horizon wider, and the sense of purpose unmistakable. As Executive Team Lead for Polar Connect, I am proud to welcome an exceptional group of experts onboard for an expedition that will help shape one of Europe’s most ambitious digital infrastructure initiatives: a trans-Arctic submarine cable connecting Europe, Japan and North America.

Over the coming weeks, we will hold nine workshops alongside our fieldwork, bringing together expertise in submarine cables, polar research, vessel operations, digital infrastructure and Arctic conditions.

And I must admit, I am genuinely excited for what lies ahead.

Why We Are Here: The Purpose of the Expedition

This expedition is an important step in understanding every detail of what it takes to establish a resilient, future-proof cable route across the Central Arctic Ocean.

Our work focuses on four key areas:

• Mapping and understanding the seabed studies along the potential corridor
• Assessing the technical and operational feasibility of the route
• Understanding ice conditions and the realities of cable installation
• Exploring long-term maintenance, repair and operational requirements

The knowledge we gain will help form our route selection and strengthen the technical, environmental and operational foundation of Polar Connect.

Learning from the Arctic

There is no substitute for being here.

Every day onboard Oden gives us insights that cannot be replicated in a meeting room. We observe the seabed, ice, weather and operating conditions first-hand, while bringing together different perspectives to understand how a future Arctic cable system could work in practice.

The expedition runs from 24 July to 10 August, with workshops taking place alongside the scientific and operational activities.

Life Onboard Oden

Life on Oden is a unique combination of science, engineering and Arctic adventure.

Schedules change with the ice. Conversations continue in corridors, the mess room and on the observation decks. Scientists, engineers, mariners and strategists work side by side, sharing knowledge and challenging each other’s perspectives.

And then there is the Arctic itself,  vast ice-covered landscapes, the sound and movement of the ice beneath the vessel, and extraordinary encounters with wildlife. It is both humbling and inspiring.

Looking Ahead

Polar Connect is more than a cable project. It is a strategic investment in Europe’s digital resilience and sovereignty, a scientific endeavour, and an example of what international collaboration can achieve when we bring together knowledge, technology and a shared purpose.

The Arctic will challenge us. But it will also teach us.

Every insight we gain onboard Oden brings us one step closer to a cable route that is credible, responsible and resilient.

If you or your organisation have expertise that could contribute to the Polar Connect initiative, we would be very pleased to hear from you. There is much to explore, and we welcome new ideas and collaborations.

To everyone following our journey from home, welcome onboard Oden.
Join us as we explore, learn and build the next chapter of Polar Connect together.

Elizabeth Sandström Greenfield
Executive Team Lead, Polar Connect