As the first light stretches across Shanghai's skyline, the city is already alive with activity. For the Rochester Cable team, a full day of meetings at Oceanology Asia begins—jet lag lingering but no distraction from the task at hand. The team prepares to connect with the industry's leading innovators in ocean exploration and technology, engaging directly with the people solving the most complex challenges in deepwater environments.
Founded in 1794, Rochester Cable's journey from a small operation to a global leader in harsh-environment cable solutions mirrors the evolution of the industries we serve. Events like Oceanology Asia reflect this growth, where conversations shift from product offerings to meaningful solutions—whether it's replacing cables in aging fleets or creating new systems to withstand the immense pressures of the deep ocean.
"What we're hearing from attendees is clear," says Eric Koh, sales manager at Rochester Cable. "Cost and lead time are critical, but so is reliability in extreme conditions." It's a balance that custom cable solutions for deepwater applications must achieve—and one that Rochester Cable has been perfecting for over two centuries.
"How do you ensure these cables last through repeated deep-sea missions?"
This was one of the most frequent questions asked by visitors to our booth. Throughout the event, research institutions, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) highlighted the same concerns: they need cables that can endure the relentless wear of extreme environments. Reliability over multiple missions is critical but so is cost efficiency and faster delivery times to keep pace with their projects. Our discussions reinforced that, while cost and lead time are key considerations, nothing outweighs the demand for high-specification cables that perform under extreme conditions, mission after mission.
"The research institutions we spoke with," Eric notes, "are no longer focused on building new vessels. Instead, they're concentrating on maintaining and upgrading their existing fleets, which creates a constant demand for replacement consumables, like marine cables, that can withstand repeated exposure to tough conditions."
Another trend was the rise of locally produced cables for shallow water operations. These more affordable options are appealing for less demanding environments. However, when it comes to deepwater missions—where extreme pressure, temperature fluctuations, and harsh environmental factors are a constant—institutions still turn to high-specification products with proven reliability.
Cost and lead time are important factors, but uncompromising reliability is non-negotiable for deepwater applications. With decades of expertise in creating cables that endure extreme conditions, Rochester Cable remains a trusted partner in these critical missions. "The feedback we received at Oceanology Asia will help us further refine our offerings and ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers," Eric reflects.
As industries evolve, the demand for precision and reliability in harsh environments continues to shape the solutions we provide. For over two centuries, Rochester Cable has been at the center of meeting these needs—whether it's a research institute upgrading deep-sea equipment, an operation depending on mission-critical reliability, or an OEM seeking customized cables for the next generation of technology.
In 2023, we joined the Hexatronic Group, a global leader in fiber optic solutions. This partnership has expanded our global reach while allowing us to maintain the independence and customer focus that has defined us for more than 200 years. With Hexatronic's support, we're able to bring our innovations to new markets and continue refining custom cable solutions that exceed industry standards.
"Our history is built on adapting to the needs of the industries we serve," says Mark Casselton, Rochester Cable's president and chief executive officer. "Oceanology Asia reinforced that while the specific challenges may evolve, the need for reliability and performance remains. As part of the Hexatronic Group, we're well-positioned to continue delivering the solutions our partners depend on, wherever their future missions take them."
As the event concluded, our team left Oceanology Asia with valuable insights and a clearer understanding of how we can continue supporting our partners in increasingly complex environments. Our discussions reaffirmed our innovation in cable technology, ready to push the boundaries of what's possible in deep-sea exploration and beyond.
Mark reflects on this momentum: "The industries we serve are rapidly evolving. The need for dependable, high-performance solutions is constant, but it's not enough to just respond to the challenges of today. We must anticipate what's next, driving the innovations that will shape the future of ocean technology and exploration."
With these insights, Rochester Cable looks ahead—ready to build on our legacy while continuing to lead in developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of our partners and the industries we serve.
As Rochester Cable moves forward under the Hexatronic Group, our capacity to innovate and serve global markets has only strengthened. Oceanology Asia reminded us that while we continue to operate with the independence and expertise that has defined us for over two centuries, our connection to a larger network of technological leaders positions us to meet the future's challenges head-on.