Mertech Marine is a pioneer in the circular economy based in South Africa. As the first company to develop a commercial model for the recovery and recycling of retired submarine telecommunication cables, Mertech Marine is addressing a legacy of abandoned seafloor infrastructure while providing high-value raw materials for the global energy transition.
This case study draws on information provided by Mertech Marine, an interview conducted by SIFEM with the company’s CEO, Alwyn du Plessis, in 2025 and a review of publicly available sources on submarine telecommunications infrastructure.
As Jörg Frieden steps down after eight years as Chair of SIFEM’s Board of Directors, and Mirjam Staub-Bisang takes up the role, the outgoing and incoming chairs sit down together to reflect on impact, conviction, and the business of putting capital to good use.
As Jörg Frieden steps down after eight years as Chair of SIFEM’s Board of Directors, and Mirjam Staub-Bisang takes up the role, the outgoing and incoming chairs sit down together to reflect on impact, conviction, and the business of putting capital to good use.
