This is an update on progress with the installation of the Moyle Returns Cables in the North Channel of the Irish Sea. A Notice to Mariners has been issued for this work, detailing the route and construction schedule. This notice can be downloaded here. A brief update on progress to date is provided below.
Progress Update
Cable installation work started on the 4th August 2015 at Portmuck South (near Larne, Islandmagee, Northern Ireland). The vessel Nexans Skagerrak has surface laid the cable along its route across the North Channel (illustrated here) and it was pulled ashore at Currarie Port (near Ballantrae, Girvan, Scotland) on the 13th August 2015.
Cable burial and protection work will also be carried out by Nexans Skagerrak and is due to start on the 15th August 2015. The cable will be buried wherever possible, and protected with rock where burial is not possible. Cable burial work on the north cable is due to be completed by he 5th September 2015 (weather and conditions permitting).
Nearshore cable protection work is due to be carried out between 15th August and 11th September 2015. Divers may be working in the shallow waters at the Northern Irish and Scottish landfalls around this period from the diving vessel Tuhti.
Rock protection placement from the fall-pipe vessel Rockpiper is due to take place along parts of the route of this cable in the North Channel between the 25th September and 25th October 2015.
The laying of the south cable is currently scheduled to start on the 8th October 2015 and all protection work on this cable is due to be completed by 30th December 2015 (weather and conditions permitting). An update on this phase of the project will be provided in future bulletins.
Vessel details
Details of the vessels involved in these operations, along with their present locations can be found on MarineTraffic.com via the links below:-
- Nexans Skagerrak: cable laying vessel | Call Sign LCEK
- Rockpiper: fall pipe vessel | Call Sign 5BML3
- Tuhti: diving vessel | Call Sign LF3891
During cable laying operations the vessel will be restricted in the ability to manoeuvre, and other vessels are asked to give a wide berth.
Nexans Skagerrak will display the prescribed lights and signals for underwater operations and will be monitoring VHF Channels 12 and 16.
Guard vessels
Guard vessels will be stationed as appropriate along the cable route during installation and burial to ensure the safety of marine users. These vessels are being supplied by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO).
Please contact Jim Andrews, Fishery Liaison Officer by e-mail or phone (+44(0)7908-225865) if you have any queries or concerns about this notice.