The 'Léon Thévenin': Africa's Internet Lifeline

In the battle to keep Africa connected, the Léon Thévenin plays a crucial role in repairing undersea internet cables, despite facing various challenges.

A colossal ship, the Léon Thévenin, measures the size of a football field and is staffed by more than 50 dedicated engineers and technicians whose mission is to keep Africa's internet connection alive. This invaluable vessel has been navigating the oceans around Africa for the past 13 years, addressing emergencies created by damaged underwater cables that left millions in digital darkness during the substantial internet outages last year.

When disaster struck, crippling connectivity from cities like Lagos to Nairobi, it underscored the significance of the Léon Thévenin's work. "My role ensures countries maintain their communication," says Shuru Arendse, a veteran cable jointer from South Africa. "IT professionals rely on us since we deliver the primary internet feed." His sense of pride is echoed amongst the highly skilled crew aboard the ship, uniquely equipped to tackle the multifaceted issues of undersea repairs.

This sprawling internet network relies on approximately 600 fibre optic cables worldwide. Unfortunately, many African nations are excessively dependent on a handful of undersea connections that sometimes stretch beyond 5,000 meters below sea level. Designed for durability with a 25-year lifespan, these cables are often at risk from human interference, with fishing trawlers and unintentional anchoring frequently damaging them.

However, there is also the threat posed by natural disasters, particularly in regions susceptible to severe weather patterns. Debris and shifting currents, like those found near the Congo River, can strain the cables beyond functionality. Last year alone, three major cables were compromised in the Red Sea, crippling internet access across East Africa.

The process of detecting cable faults involves monitoring voltage changes within the wires. When a significant drop occurs, it's a signal for the Léon Thévenin to mobilize. Local teams can handle shallow-water repairs, but for deeper issues, the ship's crew answers the call.

Upon identifying a fault, their remotely operated vehicle (ROV) plays a pivotal role in locating and addressing the damaged segments. Weighing in at 9.5 tonnes, the ROV expertly traverses the ocean floor, capturing images to pinpoint faults. Once identified, repairs involve precise splicing with new cable segments, a labor-intensive procedure taking upwards of 24 hours.

While the Léon Thévenin crew is twitchy to respond to alerts, gaining the necessary permissions to operate can be hindered by bureaucratic delays. Despite these challenges, camaraderie sustains the crew through their lengthy stints at sea—averaging over six months a year. Many sacrifice personal events for their duty; enduring missed anniversaries and family milestones, driven by their commitment to reconnecting Africa with the world.

Amidst the emotional toll, shared moments onboard foster friendships, as crew members unwind during downtime with recreational activities or meals together. Varied backgrounds add to the rich tapestry of experiences aboard, from those seeking to escape troubled pasts, to those following in family footsteps.

As highlighted by chief engineer Ferron Hartzenberg, "We bridge Africa and the global community." With every successful repair, the Léon Thévenin reinforces its essential role in maintaining connectivity across the continent, ensuring that access to vital online services remains uninterrupted.