6 Core Double Layer Neutral Buoyant ROV Cable -- Foamed PUR

The 6-core double-layer neutral buoyant ROV cable features a two-layer jacket: a solid PUR inner layer seals and protects the six conductors, while the outer foamed micro-cellular PUR layer provides neutral buoyancy and abrasion protection. The double-layer design extends cable service life significantly compared to single-layer foamed cables, particularly in rocky or debris-filled water environments. 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.

Key Applications

• Durable 6-core neutral buoyancy ROV tether
• Double-jacket ROV tether for rocky environments
• Robust foamed ROV cable for offshore use
• Long-life 6-core double-layer buoyant cable
• ROV tether for abrasive seabed environments

Request datasheet, custom length, or OEM pricing: sales@rovcable.com -- Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the foamed jacket achieve buoyancy?

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.

Can the buoyancy level be adjusted?

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.

Applications

• ROV and AUV deployment tethers for power, data and video transmission to subsea vehicles
• Neutrally buoyant tether cables for free-swimming ROV operations with minimal drag
• Subsea ROV tooling and intervention system umbilicals requiring high-strength construction
• Offshore inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) ROV tether cable assemblies
• Deep-sea research vehicle systems requiring reliable tether cable performance at depth

Customization Options

• Custom conductor configurations: power cores, twisted pairs, coaxial, fiber optic combinations
• Neutral buoyancy engineered for specific seawater density and operating depth ranges
• Kevlar, polyester or Dyneema strength member options for required break strength
• TPU, PUR or specialized jacket materials for optimal flex life and abrasion resistance
• Direct connector termination and over-moulding for plug-and-play system integration