Norwegian firm proposes 2,800-mile transatlantic data cable bypassing the US

Transatlantic Cable Project Proposed

Bulk, a Norwegian fiber network and data center company, is developing Project Leif Erikson, a transatlantic undersea data cable. The proposed cable would span over 2,800 miles, linking the southern tip of Norway to Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. From there, it would extend underground through Quebec to Montreal.

Bypassing US Infrastructure

The project's primary goal is to establish a direct data link between Canada and Europe, bypassing the United States. This initiative follows reports of worsening relations between Washington and Ottawa, with Canada seeking to reduce its direct reliance on US infrastructure for data transmission. Bulk's co-founder, Peder Nærbø, described it as a "sovereign cable system" for Canada.

Canadian Government Interest and Context

The Canadian government has shown interest in the project, with Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joy meeting with Nærbø. While the department did not comment directly on Leif Erikson, it stated that security and resilience for Canada's infrastructure are "key priorities." Currently, few undersea cables connect Canada without passing through the US, and none are owned by a Canadian company. The largest existing cable, Topez, is owned by Alphabet and connects Canada with Japan.

Funding and Ownership Structure

Project Leif Erikson is estimated to cost over $620 million, and Bulk is actively seeking a majority partner for funding. The project was presented to investors at a Canadian government-arranged summit in September. Bulk itself has significant Canadian investment, with 65% owned by a real estate subsidiary of Sun Life Financial Inc., and several Canadian pension funds also invested.