[Please note that this survey work was completed on the 26th November 2023 – the information below is presented as a record of information circulated prior to the survey operations.]
Mariners are advised that shallow water survey work is due to be carried out along the two high pressure gas interconnector pipelines running between Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man during November-December 2023. A notice to mariners about these operations can be downloaded here and is summarised below.
Shallow water survey work
The survey vessel AMS Panther will be conducting a geophysical and ROV survey of the pipeline landfalls in Scotland (Brighouse Bay and Ross Bay, Kirkcudbright), and Ireland (Loughshinny and Gormanston). This shallow water survey will extend to a depth of approximately 10m below LAT at each location.
In addition to the landfall surveys, this campaign will include a survey of the Isle of Man “Tee” junction that is situated at a depth of 30m below LAT at this location:-
- Isle of Man “Tee”: 54º 20′ 30.83″N 004° 44′ 29.01″W
Locations of the survey extent are provided in the Notice to Mariners which can be downloaded here.
The survey work is due to start on the 14th November 2023. The survey is due to be completed by the end of December 2023.
All dates are subject to sea and weather conditions. Updates on the schedule will be provided as the survey progresses.
Vessel details
Information about the location of the vessel carrying out this work can be found at the Marine Traffic website using the link below:-
- AMS Panther: Research / survey vessel | Call sign 2EHC2
The survey vessel will be displaying the relevant day shapes and night lights as specified by the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (“IRPCS”). Towed gear will be operated from the vessel at a distance of approximately 50m from the vessel.
The vessel involved in this work may be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre and other vessels are reminded to pass at a safe speed and maintain a wide berth of at least 500m distance.
Further details about the survey vessel are given in the Notice to Mariners which can be downloaded here.
Additional information
The two Irish Sea Gas Interconnectors (“IC1” and “IC2”)are operated by Gas Networks Ireland (“GNI”). A map of the GNI gas pipeline network is available here. The two Irish Sea Interconnectors and the Isle of Man Spur were installed between 1992 and 2003.
GNI have produced a High Pressure Subsea Gas Pipeline Awareness leaflet (available here). This leaflet shows the route of the pipelines, describes their structure and presents advice on hazards associated with them.
Notices to Mariners
The Notices to Mariners that have been issued for the survey of the GNI Pipelines are listed below:-
- Shallow water surveys: November December 2023 – this is the notice described above. It provides information on the shallow water survey work that is due to take place during November-December 2023. The notice can be downloaded here.
- Offshore surveys: December 2023 – this notice was issued on 7th November 2023. It provides information on the pipeline survey work that is due to be carried out on the offshore parts of the gas pipelines during December 2023. A summary and link to the Notice can be accessed here.