C-Kore Systems, a UK-based technology company and recipient of the King’s Award for International Trade 2024, has developed compact, automated tools that simplify subsea testing and eliminate the need for specialized offshore personnel.
CABLE MONITOR & SUBSEA TDR
C-Kore’s patented Cable Monitor and Subsea Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) are designed for ease of use, delivering fast, accurate results without requiring integration into ROV systems or topside support.
The Cable Monitor is typically used first in the testing sequence, measuring insulation resistance and continuity to confirm a fault. Its display shows results in real time, allowing offshore teams to make immediate decisions. With an onboard battery capable of powering weeks, or even months of testing, the unit supports extended campaigns without interruption.
Once a fault is confirmed, the Subsea TDR precisely pinpoints its location. What was once a complex task requiring specialist personnel and bulky equipment is now a straightforward plug-and-play operation. Pre-programmed ahead of deployment, the unit runs autonomously and independently of the ROV.
All data is logged on the unit and can be sent to C-Kore’s expert team for analysis, giving operators both immediate insight and the option for detailed interpretation without requiring technical expertise offshore.
TOOLS PUT TO THE TEST
In a recent campaign, an operator faced a critical decision: was the fault buried deep within a kilometer-long umbilical, or located at one end? The answer would determine whether a costly replacement was needed or if recovery and re-termination was possible.
Using the Cable Monitor and Subsea TDR together, C-Kore identified the fault location. Their team helped interpret the results, allowing the operator to proceed confidently with their repair strategy and avoid unnecessary expense.
Expanding their capabilities, C-Kore has introduced a subsea optical TDR, enabling direct testing of fiber optic systems on the seabed. This new tool shares the same user-friendly design as their electrical products, supporting efficient fault-finding in high-speed data networks.
C-Kore’s technology has supported hundreds of offshore campaigns worldwide, consistently reducing vessel time, simplifying operations, and improving safety. With the optical TDR now part of the toolkit, operators can verify fiber optic integrity as easily as electrical systems. By removing the need for complex setups and specialist personnel, C-Kore enables offshore teams to diagnose subsea issues swiftly and effectively across a broad range of infrastructure.
This spotlight appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2025 October Edition, Subsea Infrastructure: Integrity & Security, to read more access the magazine here.
