The Léon Thévenin, a ship the size of a football field, plays a crucial role in fixing undersea cables that connect Africa to the internet. Its crew, comprising skilled engineers and technicians, face various challenges including natural disasters and human activity that damage cables. While they are often away from their families for months, their commitment ensures millions of Africans remain connected.
The Unsung Heroes of Africa's Internet Connectivity
The Unsung Heroes of Africa's Internet Connectivity
A monumental ship and its dedicated crew work tirelessly to restore and maintain internet links across Africa.
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A remarkable vessel named the Léon Thévenin has become the backbone of internet connections across Africa, akin to a floating hero that ensures millions stay online. This ship, comparable in size to a football field and manned by over 50 engineers and technicians, sails the oceans to repair undersea cables that provide critical connectivity to the continent.
Last year's significant internet disruptions highlighted the vital service that the Léon Thévenin offers, as deep-sea cables were compromised, leading to widespread outages. Cities such as Lagos and Nairobi were plunged into a digital void, with messaging applications and banking systems rendered inoperative. The crew of the Léon Thévenin stepped in to address these issues, having dedicated 13 years to specialized undersea repair work.
"It's my work that allows countries to remain connected," stated Shuru Arendse, a South African cable jointer with over a decade of service on the ship. Arendse considers himself a "hero" for sustaining communication, and this sentiment resonates with the entire crew. The Léon Thévenin operates with an arsenal of high-tech equipment designed to quickly mend damaged cables laid across the sea bed, connecting Africa's users to critical data servers often located outside the continent.
Undersea cables, which typically last around 25 years without major maintenance, often suffer damage due to human interference—fishing trawlers and inappropriate anchoring being primary culprits. Charles Heald, responsible for the ship's remotely operated vehicle (ROV), explained that while natural forces can cause wear and tear, most breaks occur from human activities.
In one notable event last year, three vital cables in the Red Sea experienced damage due to a ship's anchor, disrupting services for numerous users across East Africa. This trend has continued with various cables suffering outages off the coasts of Ghana and South Africa, resulting in severe impacts on internet connectivity.
Detecting faults in the cables involves assessing electrical signals; sudden drops in voltage can indicate a break. The Léon Thévenin responds swiftly when alerted about a disturbance, often within 24 hours, although delays can arise from bureaucratic challenges in receiving permits.
Each cable repair operation can span days, as evidenced by work undertaken sometime back when a fault near Ghana required extensive repairs. For the crew, the weight of personal sacrifices looms large, as long durations at sea often mean missed family events, which some have found daunting. "It's tough, but I do it for my family," shared Adrian Morgan, the ship's chief steward.
Despite the demands of the job, camaraderie flourishes aboard the Léon Thévenin. Crew members bond over shared meals and leisure activities, each contributing unique skills and backgrounds to support their common goal: maintaining connectivity for Africa.
As Ferron Hartzenberg, the chief engineer, aptly noted, “We are the link between Africa and the world.” This ship and its crew embody the spirit of resilience as they navigate personal challenges and the complexities of restoring critical infrastructure for millions of users on the continent.
A remarkable vessel named the Léon Thévenin has become the backbone of internet connections across Africa, akin to a floating hero that ensures millions stay online. This ship, comparable in size to a football field and manned by over 50 engineers and technicians, sails the oceans to repair undersea cables that provide critical connectivity to the continent.
Last year's significant internet disruptions highlighted the vital service that the Léon Thévenin offers, as deep-sea cables were compromised, leading to widespread outages. Cities such as Lagos and Nairobi were plunged into a digital void, with messaging applications and banking systems rendered inoperative. The crew of the Léon Thévenin stepped in to address these issues, having dedicated 13 years to specialized undersea repair work.
"It's my work that allows countries to remain connected," stated Shuru Arendse, a South African cable jointer with over a decade of service on the ship. Arendse considers himself a "hero" for sustaining communication, and this sentiment resonates with the entire crew. The Léon Thévenin operates with an arsenal of high-tech equipment designed to quickly mend damaged cables laid across the sea bed, connecting Africa's users to critical data servers often located outside the continent.
Undersea cables, which typically last around 25 years without major maintenance, often suffer damage due to human interference—fishing trawlers and inappropriate anchoring being primary culprits. Charles Heald, responsible for the ship's remotely operated vehicle (ROV), explained that while natural forces can cause wear and tear, most breaks occur from human activities.
In one notable event last year, three vital cables in the Red Sea experienced damage due to a ship's anchor, disrupting services for numerous users across East Africa. This trend has continued with various cables suffering outages off the coasts of Ghana and South Africa, resulting in severe impacts on internet connectivity.
Detecting faults in the cables involves assessing electrical signals; sudden drops in voltage can indicate a break. The Léon Thévenin responds swiftly when alerted about a disturbance, often within 24 hours, although delays can arise from bureaucratic challenges in receiving permits.
Each cable repair operation can span days, as evidenced by work undertaken sometime back when a fault near Ghana required extensive repairs. For the crew, the weight of personal sacrifices looms large, as long durations at sea often mean missed family events, which some have found daunting. "It's tough, but I do it for my family," shared Adrian Morgan, the ship's chief steward.
Despite the demands of the job, camaraderie flourishes aboard the Léon Thévenin. Crew members bond over shared meals and leisure activities, each contributing unique skills and backgrounds to support their common goal: maintaining connectivity for Africa.
As Ferron Hartzenberg, the chief engineer, aptly noted, “We are the link between Africa and the world.” This ship and its crew embody the spirit of resilience as they navigate personal challenges and the complexities of restoring critical infrastructure for millions of users on the continent.
