Published on:2026-05-24 Click:21
2-core neutral buoyancy ROV tether and underwater robot cable. Foamed PUR jacket for simple power-only ROV tether or dual-conductor underwater robot cable.
The 2-core neutral buoyancy ROV tether is the simplest buoyant tether configuration: two conductors carrying power supply positive and return (or two independent signal channels) in a foamed PUR jacket. Used in simple observation ROVs, single-thruster robots, and underwater power supply cables where only one power channel is needed and all data is transmitted wirelessly or via a separate thin fiber. 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 |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 x stranded tinned copper (CSA per spec) |
| Jacket | Foamed micro-cellular PUR |
| Buoyancy | Neutrally buoyant |
| Voltage Rating | 300V -- 600V |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +80°C |
| Colour | Black / yellow |
| Custom | CSA, buoyancy, length, Kevlar, connector |
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.
