[Update – the work described below has now been completed. This notice remains as part of the historical record of notices issued for this project. Please refer to the most recent notice for an up-to-date record of the notices presently in force for this project. This can be accessed via the project description page here.]
Work on the installation of the first deep water cable of the Western HVDC Link in the Irish Sea between the Wirral and the Firth of Clyde recommenced in July 2015. The first deep water installation campaign is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
A Notice to Mariners was issued in May and an updated version can be downloaded here. The updated Notice to Mariners provides important information on safety zones around areas of exposed cable along the route as well as a summary or progress.
Cable Installation Schedule
Cable installation recommenced on the 6th July 2015. The first cable laying campaign is due to be completed by the end of the year.
This work is being carried out by the cable laying vessel Giulio Verne, accompanied by the vessel Go Pegasus. During cable laying operations, the Go Pegasus will follow the Giulio Verne at a distance of approximately 500m, and will tow a cable burial plough, providing for simultaneous burial.
Please note that installation dates are approximate and could be affected by project progress and weather conditions.
Exposed cable locations
The cables will not be buried where they cross existing cables or pipelines, and also at locations where the seabed character has prevented cable burial. These sections of exposed cable will be buried at the earliest opportunity following the installation of the second campaign on this section of the cable route.
At crossing locations and other areas where the cable is exposed, guard vessels shall monitor the cable until appropriate post-lay protection (with concrete mattresses or rock placement) can be installed. The cable crossings and locations of exposed cable are all specified in the latest Notice to Mariners (available here).
Vessels are requested to pass at a safe speed and distance from these locations and fishing vessels are advised to remain a safe distance (approximately 1.5 nautical miles) from the areas identified.
Guard Vessels have been deployed at each location to aid in monitoring the exposed areas of cable and to advise of safe distances locally.
Mariners shall be advised of any other locations where cable burial is not possible due to seabed conditions.
Vessel details
Details of the vessels involved in these operations, along with their present location can be found on MarineTraffic.com via the links below:-
- Giulio Verne: Cable layer | Call sign IBPU
- Go Pegasus: Tug / supply vessel | Call sign V7CE4
Vessels will be monitoring VHF Channel 16 throughout the operation.
The vessels involved in this work will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and other vessels are reminded to navigate with caution in their vicinity and pay strict attention to instructions issued to them by navigation authorities.
Guard vessels
Guard vessels will be stationed as appropriate along the cable route during installation and burial to ensure the safety of marine users. There are presently 4 guard vessels on station along the cable route. The areas being covered by each guard vessel are specified in the notice to mariners.
Notices to Mariners
The Notices to Mariners currently issued for this project are:-
- Deep Water Cable Installation – this is being carried out by the vessel Giulio Verne, starting in July 2015. The most up to date Notice to Mariners can be downloaded here.
- Concrete mattressing – along the cable route concrete mattresses have been laid at crossings of existing cables and pipelines. A notice to mariners about the mattressing campaign conducted earlier this year can be downloaded here.
If you have any queries about the Western Link project, please contact Jim Andrews, Fisheries Liaison Officer by e-mail or by phone on +44(0)7908-225865.