PC2

Polar Connect Step 2

Polar Connect Step 2 (PC2) is the next phase of the broader Polar Connect initiative, which aims to establish a resilient submarine cable system linking Europe, North America, and East Asia via the Arctic. The initiative seeks to create a robust, secure, and sustainable infrastructure for future data communications, underpinning research, innovation, and trade across the connected regions, while strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty.

PC2 contributes to this long-term vision by advancing key preparatory work. Building on earlier EU-funded activities, the project develops cable route studies and impact assessments and advances financial planning and ownership models. These activities help shape a viable investment framework capable of attracting strategic partners and commercial investors to this critical digital infrastructure.

A central element of PC2 is the cable route study and additional Arctic seabed mapping missions to support advanced route data simulations. These activities will determine optimal and secure paths for the future Polar Connect submarine cable. PC2 also explores Arctic operational conditions, including maintenance and repair scenarios in challenging ice environments, supporting the long-term resilience of the future system while building European expertise in Arctic cable operations.

CSC contributes to system architecture design and financing model development, helping ensure that Polar Connect becomes a long‑term asset for research and education. CSC also supports project steering as well as communication and stakeholder engagement.

Project consortium

The beneficiaries are CSC, NORDUnet, GlobalConnect, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and the Swedish Research Council (project coordinator). GÉANT participates as an Associated Partner.

More information about the funding

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.