Business · Trade · 2 hrs ago
Norwegian firm proposes undersea cable linking Europe and Canada
Norwegian company Bulk has proposed a new undersea cable linking Europe and Canada without passing through the United States.
The 2,800-mile route would run from southern Norway to Newfoundland and Labrador, then cross Canada to Montreal.
The proposal comes as Canada explores alternatives to relying on the US for international data connections amid worsening relations with Washington.
Bulk says the link could support high-capacity data transfers for telecommunications, artificial intelligence and large-scale computing.
The project is expected to cost more than $620 million, and Bulk is seeking a Canadian majority partner to help finance it.
The cable still needs funding, regulatory approvals and agreement on its route, including support from Indigenous communities along the planned Canadian section.
The European Union and Canada must coordinate and approve the route before construction can move ahead.
Norwegian company Bulk is proposing a 2,800-mile undersea cable linking southern Norway with Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Leif Erikson project would then cross Canada to Montreal without passing through US territory.
Bulk says the route could provide Canada with direct access to European digital infrastructure.
The project is expected to cost more than $620 million, and Bulk is seeking a Canadian majority partner.
The cable still needs financing, regulatory approvals and agreement between Canadian and European authorities on its route.
- Who
- Norwegian company Bulk is proposing the cable and is seeking a Canadian majority partner.
- What
- The Leif Erikson project would link Norway and Canada with an undersea cable, then continue across Canada.
- When
- The proposal has been in development for about five years. The article was published on October 23, 2026.
- Where
- The cable would link southern Norway with Newfoundland and Labrador, then run through Quebec to Montreal.
- Why
- Bulk presents it as an alternative route for Canadian international data connections and a way to provide direct access to European infrastructure.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bulk began trying to advance the Leif Erikson initiative.
Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly met Bulk co-founder Peder Nærbø.
TechRadar reported on Bulk's proposal and the outstanding financing and approval requirements.
Canada and Europe intend to endorse a statement in Montreal on improving digital connections between Europe, Canada and Asia.
- Proposed cable length
- 2,800 miles
- Estimated cost
- More than $620 million
- Planned Canadian endpoint
- Montreal
- Canadian underground section
- Approximately 1,180 miles
- Bulk ownership
- 65% held by a property subsidiary of Sun Life Financial
What people are saying
designed to provide direct access to European infrastructure