The East Micronesia Cable (EMC) survey ship, RV Bold Explorer, recently made a port of call in Pohnpei before commencing its survey route for the EMC.
During the visit representatives from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Australia, Japan and the US toured the vessel and were briefed by the marine survey team on the special features and capabilities of the ship required to undertake the survey and its importance in the delivery of the EMC.
The commencement of the survey marks a critical milestone in the implementation of the project which will benefit up to 100,000 people across FSM, Kiribati and Nauru through the delivery of a submarine cable to provide faster, higher quality and more reliable internet connectivity.
The marine survey will collect information on the seafloor conditions along the planned cable route. The route is carefully surveyed and selected to minimise environmental impacts and maximise cable protection and is a prerequisite for laying a cable.
Survey ship
Survey Ship
Survey Ship
Survey Ship
With funding partners Australia, Japan and the US, the six-country collaboration highlights the commitment to support critical connectivity infrastructure in the Pacific to assist realisation of regional connectivity goals to enable long term social and economic growth.
The project is on track to be delivered in December 2025.