EllaLink is an optical submarine cable running directly from Fortaleza (Brazil) to Sines (Portugal), avoiding the traditional two-hop route via North America. Operating since 2021, it provides under 60ms round-trip latency between Brazil and Europe — the fastest available.
The cable was designed to diversify connectivity routes, reducing dependence on US-routed transatlantic cables. This has both commercial value (lower latency for financial trading, cloud services) and geopolitical significance (data doesn't transit US jurisdiction).
EllaLink connects to the Sirius synchrotron in Campinas, enabling European researchers to access Brazilian scientific infrastructure with minimal delay. It also supports the growing digital trade between Brazil and the EU, Brazil's second-largest trading partner.