Interim Activity Work Groups
The submarine cable world is growing once again, and we are approaching another high in terms of projects and laid route kilometres. More importantly than this though, SubOptic recognises and is reacting to the fact that this growth is being driven to a significant extent by activity in new regions and markets, and in new market segments - Essentially bringing new users & investors into the fold.
SubOptic is composed of members from all parts of the industry, including suppliers, operators, marine experts and bandwidth users giving us an unparallel view of our industry. This is the first of a series of working groups that will be formed over time, to ensure that SubOptic serves the industry in an enduring and supportive manner while at the same time fostering debate in between the three year conference /convention cycle. The promotion of the working group concept will also provide a mechanism for new topics, debates and progress to be made by the industry in a more enduring manner.
Taken together SubOptic hopes that this work will contribute to the continuing improvement of cable system implementation, so enhancing the reputation and bankability of this key industry in today’s Web 2.0 World.
Framework and Guideline for a Standard Submarine Cable Construction Contract
This first Interim Activities Working Group has been formed to specifically develop a framework based on best practice for a Standard Submarine Cable Construction Contract and an associated Guide. These documents are being developed to provide insight into a critical but often misjudged and misunderstood part of all that makes up a submarine cable project.
This Construction Contract Framework is not intended to be used as the de-facto finished agreement – however, it will provide a sound introduction to the structure and the purpose of the Contract for the novice, and it will form a baseline for discussions and negotiations helping to deliver clarity and speed to this critical project phase. The Construction Contract Guide will provide the reader with the perspective of both the supplier and the buyer, and understand what collateral activities and dependencies have to be taken into account to ensure success.
A draft of a Model Contract with Guidelines for the Construction of a Submarine Cable System has now been produced by the IAWG and is available to download and review by clicking on the above link. We have received a number of comments during the Industry Review Period, which is now closed and our expectation is that a second version of this document will be produced in time to be incorporated into the SubOptic 2010 Conference Proceedings. It will also form the basis of the IAWG Workshop organised as part of the Progam.
The IAWG would be pleased however to continue to receive your suggestions as to how this document can be improved, to provide additional value to our industry. Any further comments and suggestions can be made to k.schofield@pioneerconsulting.com with a copy to john-horne@btconnect.com and these will be considered for a future update.