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 previously been issued for this work, detailing the route and construction schedule. A revised Notice to Mariners can be downloaded here, giving up-to-date details on project progress and plans. A brief update on progress to date is provided below.
Progress Update
Cable installation work on the first (northern) cable was completed between August and September 2015. Rock protection work is due to be carried out at points along the northern cable route where cable burial has not been possible. This work is due to be carried out by the fallpipe vessel Rockpiper between 18th-29th October 2015 (weather and conditions permitting).
Cable installation work for the second Moyle return conductor cable is due to start on the 13th October 2015 at Currarie Port (near Ballantrae, Girvan, Scotland). The cable will then be surface laid along its route across the North Channel (illustrated here) to Portmuck South (near Larne, Islandmagee, Northern Ireland) by 20th October 2015. Cable laying work will be carried out by the vessel Nexans Skagerrak,
Cable burial and protection work will also be carried out by Nexans Skagerrak and is due to start on the 20th October 2015. The cable will be buried wherever possible, and protected with rock where burial is not possible. Cable burial work on the south cable is due to be completed by the 1st December 2015 (weather and conditions permitting).
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 1st December and 1st January 2016 (again, weather permitting). Nearshore, shallow water rock protection is now scheduled for March 2016.
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
During cable laying and rock protection operations the vessels will be restricted in the ability to manoeuvre, and other vessels are asked to give a wide berth.
Nexans Skagerrak and Rockpiper 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.