Avaroa Cable Ltd and Australia’s Data Exchange Network announced the signing of a NZ$1.2m supply contract to provide ACL with two state-of-the-art cable landing stations for the Manatua Cable in the Cook Islands.
International leaders in prefabricated modular data centres, Data Exchange impressed ACL’s experienced procurement team with their innovative solutions and high-quality engineering. Data Exchange’s operational experience in running their own extensive data centre business was a further key differentiator.
Douglas Loh, Executive Chairman of Data Exchange, said “We are very excited to be a part of this critical project for Polynesia, providing ACL with key elements for the cable landing stations. We are confident that our products will provide robust and reliable service to the people of the Cook Islands for the 25-year life of the cable”
Engineered to exacting standards, the facilities are designed to work flawlessly, even during the most demanding climatic conditions. Integrated standby power from batteries and a diesel generator provides protection from power glitches. And a full suite of security capabilities will protect operations from unwanted attention.
Bids for the work were received from around the world, including Europe and the USA.
Dr Ranulf Scarbrough, ACL CEO and Vice Chair of the Manatua Cable Consortium said: “Our requirements were clear; we only wanted the highest quality engineering that matched our ambitions for the cable. Data Exchange showed they can deliver all of that even to a challenging location like the Cook Islands and work with our demanding timescales. Their selection was an obvious choice.”
The partnership is already underway with design work started and fabrication soon to commence in Data Exchange’s factory in Perth, WA. Innovative use of a shipping container form factor ensures existing marine transport links to the Cook Islands can be leveraged for delivery.
The stations, one each for Rarotonga and Aitutaki, are expected to arrive in the Cook Islands toward the end of the year and go into live operation on the Manatua Cable in May 2020.