Norwegian Firm Bulk Plans New Subsea Cable Linking to Canada

The Need for a Sovereign Network

Norwegian digital infrastructure firm Bulk Infrastructure Group has unveiled details of a new strategic project. The company plans to build a subsea fibre-optic cable connecting Europe to Canada, allowing data transmission to bypass US networks. The project, dubbed the "Leif Erikson" system, is considered vital for Canada’s cybersecurity and data independence.

Currently, a significant portion of Canadian internet and telephone traffic routes through US infrastructure. Recent geopolitical events and concerns regarding US-based threats have prompted the Canadian government to reassess the vulnerabilities of its communications. According to Bulk founder Peder Nærbø, the goal is to establish a sovereign cable system for Canada, owned by the Canadian side.

The scale of the project is significant. The 4,600-kilometre cable will originate from the southern tip of Norway, traverse the Atlantic Ocean, and land in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A further 1,900-kilometre terrestrial route will then extend the connection to Montreal. The total cost of the project is estimated at over $620 million, requiring active involvement from both the government and private investors.

Challenges and Perspectives

Although technical partners have been selected, the project remains in its early stages. Further studies supported by the European Union and Canada are required, alongside the procurement of additional funding. Furthermore, the construction of the terrestrial route will necessitate the consent of local Indigenous communities and the acquisition of relevant permits.

Canada is already taking steps to strengthen its networks. In August of this year, the Department of National Defence signed a 2.3 billion Canadian dollar contract with Telesat to provide military satellite communications in the Arctic. Regarding Bulk, the company already maintains Canadian ties; a 65% stake in the firm is owned by BGO, a subsidiary of Sun Life Financial, which increases the likelihood of the project’s realisation.

Future Outlook

The urgency of the matter is underscored by the fact that the European Union and Canada are set to discuss funding for research into new subsea cable connections at a summit in Montreal on 29-30 October. These connections would link Europe, Canada, and Asia, marking a significant shift in global internet architecture.

While this project does not present a direct threat or benefit to users in Georgia, it reflects a broader global trend: nations are increasingly seeking to reduce their dependence on foreign transit hubs to protect their digital space. In the future, such infrastructure projects may become a standard for states aiming to fortify their internet security.