Submarine Cable Systems: A Review of Installation, Monitoring, and Maintenance Processes and Technologies

Submarine cable systems are essential for intercontinental connectivity and the integration of offshore renewable energy into onshore grids. The reliability of these systems depends on a well-coordinated life cycle process that integrates installation, monitoring, and maintenance technologies. This review synthesizes the key components of submarine communication and power cables, highlighting the processes involved in route survey, cable laying, and burial under complex seabed conditions. The major factors contributing to damage are typically classified into natural hazards and human activities. Particular attention is given to fault diagnosis techniques, including optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) and time domain reflectometry (TDR). Additionally, practical workflows and processes for fault location and cable repair are outlined. By structuring advancements across installation, monitoring, and maintenance processes, this review offers a comprehensive technical reference for researchers and practitioners, while emphasizing emerging trends aimed at enhancing system resilience, real-time situational awareness, and rapid response, thus supporting global digitalization and the transition to clean energy.