This is a further update to Mariners about the cable repair work that is being carried out on the export cable for the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
This work started in January, and is now expected to be completed by the 22nd March 2021. A revised Notice to Mariners has been issued which is summarised below and can be downloaded here. This notice supercedes the earlier notices issued for this work.
Repair details
Briggs Marine Contractors has been contracted by the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) to undertake a repair to the SSEC3 export cable due to a power core fault.
The main part of the repair works are now complete. After completion of these works the final cable repair bight is currently standing above the seabed level and poses a risk to fishing vessels or vessel engaged in underwater operations in this area. The exposed cable bight is being patrolled by guard vessels until the cable burial works are complete. Guard vessel operations are centred at the following position:-
- 53°23.052’N
- 003° 35.489’W
Guard vessel duties will be carried out 24 hours a day until cable burial is complete.
Vessel details
Information about the guard vessels operating in this area including a link to their current location on the Marine Traffic website is provided below.
- Forth Jouster: Guard vessel | Call sign 2BME4
- Fulmar of Liverpool: Guard vessel | Call sign MGJM3
- Iceni Spirit: Crew transfer vessel | Call sign 2DECF8
During these operations the Forth Jouster, Fulmar of Liverpool, and Iceni Spirit will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and vessels are requested, in the interest of safety, to pass with care and at a safe speed and distance (advisory 500m). The guard vessels will display appropriate lights and shapes for their operations.
Should any vessel wish to come within 500m of the guard vessels, then direct communication with the Master is required.
The full text and location map for these works is available here.
If you have any queries about this work please contact either Steven Searle or Andrew Kinninmonth at Briggs Marine (contact details are in the Notice to Mariners available here).