The Role of Undersea Internet Cables in Global Logistics

15.05.2026|4 min read

Global supply chains no longer operate solely on physical infrastructure. Alongside ports, vessels, and transport routes, there is another critical yet largely invisible element that ensures the continuity of trade: data flow. A significant portion of this data flow is enabled by undersea fiber-optic cables.

Today, the movement of goods is made possible not only by physical transportation but also by digital processes operating simultaneously. Customs procedures, payment networks, container tracking, carrier communication, and supply chain platforms all depend on uninterrupted data flow. This makes undersea cables one of the fundamental infrastructures of the logistics sector.

The Definition of Bottlenecks in Logistics Is Changing

For many years, the term “bottleneck” in logistics referred to physical locations such as the Suez Canal, the Panama Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, or congested ports.

However, this definition is no longer sufficient.

Today, global trade depends not only on physical but also on digital chokepoints. Submarine cables laid on the ocean floor carry the data layer of the global economy. Through this infrastructure:

financial transactions are conducted
cloud systems operate
logistics visibility is ensured
production and supply processes are coordinated

For this reason, undersea cables are no longer just elements of telecommunications, but have emerged as an integral part of the operational infrastructure of global trade.

Digital Disruptions Can Halt Physical Flows

Disruptions in supply chains are usually visible when they occur in physical operations. However, digital disruptions are often noticed later and can escalate rapidly.

When a data flow is interrupted:

container tracking may stop
customs procedures may be delayed
delivery planning may be disrupted
payment processes may become uncertain

For this reason, issues in digital infrastructure can create a multiplier effect that directly impacts physical transportation.

Digital Infrastructure Becomes Critical as Geopolitical Risks Increase

In recent years, strategically important regions such as the Strait of Hormuz have become focal points not only for energy and maritime transport but also for data infrastructure. This shows that digital networks have become part of geopolitical dynamics.

Today, a country does not need to disrupt physical flows to impact supply chains. Slowing down data transmission or interfering with communication networks can produce similar outcomes.

This new reality reveals that global logistics has evolved into a multi-layered system where:

physical
energy
digital
financial

layers operate in an interconnected way.

Türkiye’s Digital Logistics Network

Due to its geographic location, Türkiye is emerging as a key transit point not only in physical trade routes but also in digital data infrastructure.

As of 2026, the undersea cables passing through Türkiye include:

KAFOS (Black Sea Fiber Optic System)

Length: 538 km
Route: Bulgaria – Romania – Türkiye (İğneada, Istanbul)
Operator: Turk Telekom International

TURCYOS-1 and TURCYOS-2

Provide connectivity between Türkiye and Northern Cyprus
Play a critical role in regional data flow

MedNautilus

Length: 7,000 km
Connects Türkiye to European and Mediterranean networks
Istanbul is one of the key landing points

SEA-ME-WE 5

Length: 20,000 km
Covers the Asia – Middle East – Europe corridor
Marmaris in Türkiye is one of the landing points

KARDESA (Planned for 2027)

Will connect Türkiye, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Ukraine
Capacity: Designed to exceed 500 Tbps
Expected to strengthen Türkiye’s role with a landing point in Istanbul–Şile

Rising AI Adoption Increases Data Dependency

As the use of artificial intelligence increases in supply chains, dependency on data continues to grow.

Today, companies require real-time data for:

demand forecasting
route optimization
operational planning
risk analysis

This makes undersea cables not only supporting infrastructure but also a critical component of decision-making processes.

Redefining Resilience in the New Era

Traditional supply chain risks remain important. However, the concept of resilience has expanded significantly.

Companies must now focus not only on:

alternative suppliers
inventory planning
logistics flexibility

but also on:

data continuity
system redundancy
digital infrastructure security

Source: Submarinecablemap

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