The Government of New Caledonia has welcomed the official launch of the “Tamtam” submarine fibre optic cable, a 411-kilometre system connecting Port-Vila in Vanuatu to Lifou in the Loyauté Islands province of New Caledonia. The launch ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with representatives from the Asian Bank of Development and Prima Ltd in attendance.
The cable will land in Lifou at the New Caledonia Posts and Telecommunications Office (OPT-NC) station, reinforcing digital connectivity across the region.
Strengthening Digital Resilience
Originally conceived as a backup link to secure Vanuatu’s international communications, the Tamtam project has expanded to include a structural domestic dimension within Vanuatu. For New Caledonia, the cable is expected to:
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Diversify international connectivity routes;
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Strengthen the resilience and continuity of communications;
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Secure strategic digital data streams;
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Consolidate New Caledonia’s role as a digital hub in the Pacific.
The project aligns with the government’s broader ambition to provide reliable and competitive international connectivity, supporting both economic development and regional geopolitical interests.
Scientific Innovation for Climate and Risk Monitoring
In addition to enhancing communications, the Tamtam cable incorporates a scientific component developed by the Caledonian company Pacific Peering. Four Climate Change Nodes (CC-Nodes) will be installed along the New Hebrides Rift, enabling real-time monitoring of the ocean floor through dedicated fibre optics.
Data collected from the sensors will allow for:
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Immediate detection of underwater earthquakes and tsunami risks;
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Observation of rising sea levels and anomalous wave activity;
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Tracking changes in global ocean temperatures.
The information will be freely available to both New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Funding for the scientific component is provided by IFREMER, in partnership with the Research Institute for Development (IRD), while Pacific Peering is establishing a platform in New Caledonia for secure data collection, storage, and dissemination.
A Model of Regional Cooperation
The Tamtam submarine cable exemplifies regional cooperation, enhancing New Caledonia’s strategic digital position while supporting French and European digital sovereignty in the Pacific. The government lauded the project as a combination of infrastructure resilience, scientific innovation, and the promotion of Caledonian expertise.
With the Tamtam cable now operational, both Vanuatu and New Caledonia are set to benefit from improved communications, stronger scientific monitoring capabilities, and enhanced regional digital integration.
