NTT Marine expands role in PH submarine cable infrastructure

Japan’s NTT World Engineering Marine Corporation (NTT WE Marine) is strengthening its presence in the Philippines as it seeks a more significant role in the country's rapidly growing submarine cable infrastructure sector.

To commemorate its 25th year in the Philippines, NTT WE Marine is set to launch its newest cable-laying vessel, the CS VEGA II, in April. 

The vessel, registered under the Philippine flag, will be primarily operated by a Filipino crew—demonstrating the company’s long-term commitment to the local market, according to the Japanese firm.

“The Philippines is very crucial and very important. Our role really affects the country’s economic development,” said NTT WE Marine President and CEO Mamoru Watanabe. 

Watanabe anticipates increasing demand for cable-laying and maintenance services as digital infrastructure becomes central to national progress.

The CS VEGA II is designed to support both domestic and international submarine telecommunications cables, particularly within Philippine and nearby waters. 

Watanabe emphasized that the company’s top priority is securing maintenance contracts for international cables, given the nation’s economic growth and the growing demand for secure and stable communications infrastructure in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

“Economic development’s foundation is communication,” Watanabe stated. “There’s a lot of opportunity in the Philippines, especially now that global security is unstable.”

NTT WE Marine is actively engaging with local stakeholders for upcoming cable-laying projects and has proposed multiple business models to address the rising domestic demand.

The company is also involved in the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), a 2,500-kilometer project spearheaded by Eastern Communications, Globe Telecom, and InfiniVAN, aimed at enhancing connectivity in underserved areas.

NTT WE Marine’s expansion aligns with broader industry needs. PLDT Inc., through Executive Vice President and COO Menardo Jimenez Jr., confirmed a three-year contract signed with NTT WE Marine last year for the repair and maintenance of its submarine cable systems. 

Jimenez also expressed PLDT’s intention to extend the partnership, citing the company’s upgraded facilities and the launch of its new vessel.

“They’re upgraded, they’re new. I think we will continue the partnership. There’s no reason why we cannot extend that,” said Jimenez.

NTT WE Marine remains the only firm with a Philippine-flagged, fully equipped cable-laying vessel, positioning it uniquely to capitalize on the country’s digital transformation efforts. — DVM, GMA Integrated News