Mariners are advised that survey operations are due to continue within the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm off the North Wales coast during July-August 2021. A Notice to Mariners has been issued, which is summarised below and can be downloaded here.
Survey operations are due to start on the 29th July 2021 and to last for 7 days until 6th August 2021, weather permitting.
Location
Hydrographic Survey work is due to be conducted between the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Windfarm and the coast, along the route of the export cables and each of the four sides of the two offshore sub-stations. A map of the survey area is provided in the Notice to Mariners which can be downloaded here.
The survey will be carried out by an Uncrewed Survey Vessel (“USV”) that will be mobilised from Carlingford, Ireland, on 29th July from where it will transit to the area of operation, due to arrive on 31st July. Rhyl harbour will be the main port for departure and arrival during operations.
A map of the windfarm and export cable route is available from the Kingfisher website here.
Vessel details
The survey is to be carried out by the USV X-04 Uncrewed. The vessel details, including a link to its present location, are given below:-
- X-04 Uncrewed: Unmanned Survey Vessel (“USV”) | MMSI 232023832.
The USV is 4.5m long, has a beam of 2.2m, and an operating speed of up to 3.5 knots. A picture of the USV is provided in the Notice to Mariners that can be downloaded here.
The USV sends real time images and data over satellite to a team of operators keeping watch and controlling the vessel remotely 24 hours per day. It is equipped with AIS, navigation lights and sounds, an active radar reflector and has a yellow superstructure. Seafarers are asked to avoid contact with the vessel and to be aware of the operational area during this period.
Further information about the survey vessel including emergency contact information is provided in the Notice to Mariners which can be downloaded 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.