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Magtrack

Tracking and fault locating system for subsea cables

Magtrack is a subsea cable tracking system that accurately detects cable position, tracks cable route in 3D, shows burial depth and pinpoints faults.

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Accurately track cables in 3D

Magtrack uses two pairs of small, highly sensitive sensors to deliver very accurate centimetric relative 3D cable positioning. This helps users detect cable position, follow cable route and assess burial depth with a high degree of confidence.

Pinpoint cable faults with precision

Because Magtrack can detect even small changes in magnetic fields, it can identify the field change that begins at a cable fault and continues beyond it. This allows fault locations to be pinpointed with great accuracy using magnetic field changes and the audio frequency method.

Use the system with existing subsea platforms

Magtrack is designed for and compatible with all existing work class ROVs worldwide. It can also be installed on trenchers and, in shallow waters, mounted on a small vessel, giving operators flexibility across different offshore workflows.

Suitable for deep sea and shallow waters

Magtrack supports subsea operations from shallow water environments such as ponds, lakes, near shore regions and shelf seas through to deep sea and ocean applications. Depth-rated versions are available for 500 m, 1500 m and up to 6000 m.

Full Product Details

About the product

Magtrack is a compact, robust and lightweight subsea cable tracking and fault locating system designed to detect cable position accurately, trace the cable route in 3D, show burial depth and pinpoint fault locations.

Built for subsea power and communication cables

Magtrack can be used on all subsea power and communication cables carrying an AC current, whether that current comes from a tone generator or from the cable load current itself. It is suitable for HVAC and HVDC cables and can be deployed in both deep-sea and shallow-water environments.

High-precision sensor architecture

Each system includes four small sensors that integrate 3-axis fluxgate magnetometers and inclinometers. Installed at the front and rear of an ROV, ROT, trencher or similar platform, these sensors enable very accurate centimetric relative 3D cable positioning. The four-sensor arrangement also helps determine cable slope and improves directional accuracy during tracking and trenching.

Designed for offshore deployment

The subsea electronics module (SEM) serves as the system hub, preprocessing sensor data before transferring both raw and processed data from the subsea vehicle to the surface vessel. Magtrack data can then be combined with other survey inputs, such as ROV position and seafloor profile data from echo sounding, to support a fuller understanding of the cable route and burial condition.

Flexible use across different operations

Magtrack is designed for and compatible with all existing work class ROVs worldwide. It can also be installed on trenchers to support cable positioning relative to the vehicle, steering information and burial depth assessment. In shallow areas where an ROV is not practical, the system can even be mounted on a small vessel.

Built for demanding subsea environments

The sensors are made from titanium, and the SEM uses titanium and carbon fibre construction, giving the system the durability needed for offshore work while remaining lightweight and compact. With depth-rated versions for 500 m, 1500 m, and up to 6000 m, Magtrack is built to support a wide range of subsea cable-tracking applications.

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

Does Magtrack work on live or active cables?

Yes. Magtrack can be used on live cables, provided there is current flowing in the cable.

Does Magtrack work on dead cables with no tone?

The system detects the field from current flowing in the cable. If the cable is dead, a tone must be inserted.

Does Magtrack work on pre-magnetized cables?

Yes. The sensors work down to DC. The current software requires a tone between 20 and 500 Hz, but this can be possible through third-party software.

Does Magtrack work on 3-phase cables?

In theory, the field from a balanced 3-phase cable is zero. To follow and map a 3-phase cable, a few amps of imbalance between the phases is required.

Can Magtrack be used in shallow water as well as deep sea?

Yes. Magtrack is suitable for shallow waters and deep-sea environments. In areas too shallow for ROVs, it can even be mounted on a small vessel.

Troubleshooting

No cable detected

Magtrack detects the field from current flowing in the cable. If the cable is dead, a tone must be inserted. Also check that signal current and frequency are sufficient for the planned detection range.

Weak or inconsistent tracking results

Detection range is a function of signal strength. Low current or unsuitable frequency can reduce tracking quality. Review current level, frequency and vehicle altitude above the seabed, then repeat the run if needed.

Unable to map a 3-phase cable

A perfectly balanced 3-phase cable produces no net field for tracking. To follow and map the cable, a few amps of imbalance between the phases is required.

Positioning confidence is lower than expected

Check that all four sensors are installed correctly on the vehicle and that sensor data is being transferred to the SEM and surface system correctly. Magtrack is designed to work with four sensors to support accurate 3D positioning, burial depth and slope assessment.

Need to operate in shallow water

If the area is too shallow for an ROV, Magtrack can be mounted on a small vessel, provided the application and survey setup are suitable.

Interpreting test results

Magtrack interprets the magnetic field produced by current flowing in a subsea cable. Using four 3-axis fluxgate magnetometer and inclinometer sensors, the system calculates cable position relative to the vehicle, tracks route in 3D, shows burial depth and highlights field changes that can indicate a fault location.

When reviewing results, focus on these key points:

Cable position and route: Stable, repeatable positioning in front of and behind the vehicle indicates reliable tracking and supports route verification.
Burial depth: Use burial depth together with vehicle position and survey data to understand how the cable sits beneath the seabed.
Signal strength: Detection range depends on current level and frequency. As a guide, a current of 1 A at 20 to 40 Hz provides sufficient signal strength, and HVAC or HVDC cables can typically be detected from 10 metres and more when flying above the seafloor.
Fault locating: A fault often creates a change in magnetic field from the fault point onwards. If Magtrack detects a clear field change along the cable, this can be used to pinpoint the fault location with high accuracy.
Data integration: For best interpretation, combine Magtrack data with ROV position and other survey inputs such as seafloor profile data from echo sounding.

For dead cables, remember that a tone must be inserted. For balanced 3-phase cables, some phase imbalance is required for mapping and tracking.

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

What signal conditions does Magtrack need to detect a cable?

Magtrack detects the field from current flowing in the cable. A current of 1 A at an audio frequency of 20 to 40 Hz is listed as sufficient signal strength.

Can Magtrack be used on HVAC and HVDC cables?

Yes. The system is suitable for both HVAC and HVDC subsea cables.

What depth ratings are available?

Standard depth-rated versions are available for 500 m and 1500 m, with up to 6000 m available on request.

What is included with the system?

Scope of delivery includes a Peli case for transport and storage, one SEM, four magnetometer-inclinometer sensors, four sensor-to-SEM signal cables, one power and COM pigtail, software, service kit and user guide.

Can Magtrack data be used with other survey information?

Yes. Raw and processed data can be transferred to the surface vessel and combined with other survey information, including ROV position and seafloor profile data from echo sounding.