This notice provides a further update on progress with activities for the rock protection of the nearshore sections of the Moyle Interconnector cables. This work started recently, and progress is summarised briefly below.
Nearshore Rock Placement, Scottish Landfall
On the 18th September 2015 the rock coaster DC Eems is due to anchor close to the rock placement site close to the Scottish landfall, where protection work is due to take place for a period of 4 days (weather permitting).
The survey vessel Smit Neyland will make a further survey of the rock placement area during and after the works are completed.
Vessel details
Details of the vessel involved in these operations, along with their present locations can be found on MarineTraffic.com via the link below:-
- B41: split hopper barge
- Coastrunner: tug | Call sign 2EDW3
- Coastworker: tug
- DC Eems (formerly Eems Merwestone): rock coaster | Call sign PBTI
- Smit Neyland: Survey vessel | Call sign VQGN5
Whilst the vessels working on this project are conducting the rock placement and supporting operations, they will be Restricted in the Ability to Manoeuvre. All other vessels operating within the area are asked to keep clear of the vessels, 500 metres ahead, 1000 metres abeam and astern of the vessel to maintain a safe distance.
During operations the vessels will display the appropriate day shapes/signals and at times of reduced visibility the appropriate lights as required by the IRPCS. The vessels will also actively transmit an AIS signal. A continuous listening watch will be maintained on VHF Channel 16 and 12 DSC.
Guard vessels
Guard vessels will be stationed as appropriate along the cable routed 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).
Future work
Work on the protection of the first (north) cable is due to be completed by the 10th October 2015.
The laying of the south cable is currently scheduled to start on the 18th October 2015 and all protection work on this cable is due to be completed by 13th January 2016 (weather and conditions permitting). An update on this second phase of the project will be provided in future bulletins.
Notice to Mariners
A Notice to Mariners was issued for these works on the 5th September 2015. A summary of the notice and a link allowing the notice to be downloaded can be accessed here.
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.