Published on:2026-05-24 Click:27
8-core neutral buoyant ROV tether: 2x1.5mm2 power + 6x26AWG STP signal. Foamed PUR jacket for ROV with power supply and multi-channel shielded signal in one tether.
The 8-core neutral buoyant ROV tether combines 2x1.5mm² power cores (for thruster and electronics supply) with six individually shielded 26AWG signal cores (STP) for multi-channel control, sensor, and serial data in a single foamed PUR buoyant tether jacket. The STP shielding on the signal cores provides excellent noise rejection against the switching interference from thruster motor ESCs sharing the same tether bundle. The foamed polyurethane (PUR) jacket uses a micro-cellular expanded jacket compound with a bulk density lower than seawater (~1.025 g/cm³), giving the cable near-zero or positive net buoyancy. This eliminates tether sag and reduces drag force on the ROV, improving vehicle manoeuvrability and reducing tether management workload during subsea operations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Cores | 2 x 1.5 mm² tinned copper |
| Signal Cores | 6 x 26AWG (0.128 mm²) STP individually shielded |
| Total Cores | 8 |
| Jacket | Foamed micro-cellular PUR |
| Buoyancy | Neutrally buoyant in seawater |
| Signal Shielding | Individual STP braid or foil per core |
| Voltage Rating | 300V |
| Custom | Conductor CSA, shielding, length, Kevlar |
Request datasheet, custom length, or OEM pricing: sales@rovcable.com -- Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.
The jacket is manufactured from a micro-cellular expanded (foamed) polyurethane compound. During extrusion, a controlled foaming agent creates millions of tiny closed-cell air pockets within the jacket wall. These air cells reduce the bulk density of the jacket below that of seawater (~1.025 g/cm³), producing positive or neutral net buoyancy. The jacket retains all the abrasion resistance, oil resistance, and flexibility of standard PUR while achieving the buoyancy needed for ROV tether applications.
Yes. Buoyancy (positive, neutral, or slightly negative) is tuned by adjusting the foam cell density in the jacket compound and the jacket wall thickness. Specify the required net buoyancy per metre (in g/m) and the water salinity (fresh / brackish / seawater) when ordering. We can also add a Kevlar or Dyneema strength member to increase tensile strength without significantly changing buoyancy.
