Kiemensäckchen

Kiemensäckchen, also called splice pouches or splice pouch, are small, typically fabric or polymer bags used in marine and cable assembly applications to protect and reinforce the joint where two sections of cable or rope are joined together. The term originates from German fishing and nautical terminology and is widely used in the European cable and marine industry.

The pouch is installed over a splice, such as a thimble splice or forged splice, and fastened with stitching, adhesive, or a molded closure. The primary purpose of the pouch is to prevent water ingress into the splice area, to avoid abrasion between cores and outer jacket, and to ease handling during installation and maintenance. Kiemensäckchen are usually made from high‑performance fabrics such as nylon, polyester, or woven textiles treated with waterproof coatings, but can also be fabricated from polypropylene or other polymers to match the cable’s environmental requirements.

Typical dimensions of a Kiemensäckchen range from 25 to 50 millimetres in width and 50 to 150 millimetres in length, sufficient to cover the full extent of the splice. Joints may be marked with polarity indicators or spare conductors to ensure correct orientation. The use of a splice pouch increases the service life of the cable by reducing the likelihood of moisture damage and mechanical wear at the joint.

In offshore wind, submarine, and high‑voltage submarine cable installations, Kiemensäckchen are standard practice. Their design complies with IEC, IEEE, and ISO standards concerning splice integrity and cable penetration requirements. The technology is continuously evolving, with developments including self‑sealing materials and integration with fiber optic protection for hybrid cable systems.