News

Fugro will be undertaking Geotechnical Investigations along the SOWF export cable corridor.  In the previous bulletin the start date was anticipated to be 13th March for the Despina. This has been delayed due to weather, but the Despina is planned to be on site before the end of March, provisionally around the 28th March.  Works undertaken by the Despina are anticipated to take a month to complete, dependent on weather conditions.

Due to the Despina having limited manoeuvrability whist working in DP mode, it is requested that all vessels operating within this area maintain a safe operational distance, in line with standard procedures i.e. a C.P.A of  500 m, which is included in the survey area buffer of 2,000 m (coordinates below). 

Fugro will continue geophysical operations along the export cable corridor and within the offshore turbine array using the Fugro Venturer and the Fugro Pioneer, with works expected to commence at the start of April 2020 and continue through July 2020.  Vessels engaged in geophysical survey operations will deploy survey equipment behind the stern of a vessel and will require a large turning area, as detailed within the relevant Notices to Mariners (NTM’s).

Fugro requests a minimum of a 2000m safety zone during geophysical survey operations and all vessels operational in the vicinity should pass at a decreased speed to reduce vessel wash.

The geotechnical vessel ‘Despina’ and geophysical survey vessels will be undertaking survey operations on a 24 hour basis, with the guard vessel ‘Margaret Mary’ providing additional support where necessary.  All vessels can be contacted on VHF channel 16 throughout the works for any further information.

The following vessels will be operational on site during these works

For general enquiries related to Sofia Offshore Wind Farm you can e-mail comms_sofia@innogy.com or telephone: 03301 229670.  Further contact details for the Fugro Project Manager and Project Fisheries Liaison Officer are detailed below.

For further information:  Sally Dalrymple, Fugro, Tel: +44 7917 058751, email: s.dalrymple@fugro.com;

Nigel Proctor (FLO) Precision Marine Survey Ltd Tel: +44 7702 730891, email n.proctor@precisionmarine.co.uk

Fugro has been contracted to provide a Marine Ground Investigation for SSE, approximately 8km South of Bridlington for a proposed cable landfall.

The fieldwork consists of 3 Work Elements:

1. Work Element 1 – Geophysical Clearance Survey of the cable landfall and nearshore area. 31st March until 23rd April
2. Work Element 2 – Nearshore Geotechnical borehole drilling from a jack up barge. Acquisition of geotechnical data at 5 or 6 locations along the cable landfall route. 23rd April until 1st May
3. Work Element 3 – Subsurface Geophysical Survey. Acquisition of sub-seabed geophysical information across the cable landfall route. 4th May until 14th May

Work Element 1

• The Geophysical Clearance Survey will be performed by the Fugro Seeker, a 12m LOA (Length Overall) purpose-built survey vessel.
• The vessel will be mobilised in, and all operations and surveys run from, Scarborough.
• A transit route to site of ~26 nautical miles.
• This Work Element is expected to take approximately 5 days (not including weather delays).

Work Element 2

• The Nearshore geotechnical site investigation shall be complete from the Haven Seariser 4, a jack up barge of 29m LOA.
• The proposed site investigations are scheduled along the cable landfall route
• This Work Element is expected to take approximately 10 days (not including weather delays).
• Operations will continue on a 24hr basis.
• The Jack-up barge will be lit to allow night time operations and display RED_WHITE_RED lighting/shapes to indicate that it is a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
• Vessels should keep clear of the jack-up barge at all times and are requested to not approach within 50m.
• Crew will transfer twice a day in the support RHIB, from the jack up barge directly to Bridlington Harbour.

Work Element 3

• The Subsurface Geophysical Survey will be performed from 2no. 9m LOA covered RHIBs.
• This Work Element is expected to take approximately 13 days (not including weather delays).
• The RHIBs will transfer to site daily from Bridlington Harbour.

Ørsted will be carrying out benthic surveys using the DSV Curtis Marshall Call Sign: 2HWN3 in the Hornsea Project Two wind farm array.

The surveys are expected to commence on or shortly after 24th March 2020 and may last until the end of April 2020. The exact survey dates are dependent on weather and work progress.  When the works are complete, this Notice will be updated and re-issued.

The vessel will be towing a subsea camera system and may be undertaking grab sampling. As such, the vessel will have limited manoeuvrability and it is requested that all vessels operating near the vessels maintain a safe distance (at least 500m) and pass all vessels at minimum speed.

The work will utilise the inshore survey vessel Mersey Guardian Call Sign: 2FGL4 and offshore survey vessel Topaz Tiamat Call Sign:V7A2125 for the operations.

The work will utilise the inshore survey vessel Mersey Guardian Call Sign: 2FGL4 and offshore survey vessel Topaz Tiamat Call Sign:V7A2125 for the operations.

The work will utilise the inshore survey vessel Mersey Guardian Call Sign: 2FGL4 and offshore survey vessel Topaz Tiamat Call Sign:V7A2125 for the operations.

Survey

1 Month Survey, due to commence on 17 March 2020 within the bundary of the wind farm using the vessel "Fugro Mercator" (call sign: C6DU5).

Guard vessel: Artemis (MVIX5), Tranquillity S, (MJUH9) or Seagull  (MVBO2).

UXO

During a UXO inspection survey within the boundaries of the Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farm Site and Cable Route, a number of confirmed UXO (cUXO) targets have been identified so far. The cUXO target locations identified between 12 December 2019 and 7 January 2020 are provided in the table below.

A 50m exclusion zone is requested at each of these locations.

Buoyage

Five special markers are now in position:

Four cardinal buoys are due to be deployed the week commencing 16th March. Planned deployment locations

A steel chain will be connected to each marker buoy, and the chain will be present through the water column, connected to an anchor placed on the seabed.

Vessels will be operating as follows:

All Vessels Can be Contacted Via VHF 16 When Infield

Activities planned for the next 7 days:

• Guard Vessel “Sorrento” continues infield monitoring activities.
• Anchor Handling Vessels “Manta” and “Seraya” support foundation installation with 8 point mooring spread installation / recovery.
• Heavy Lift Vessel “Seaway Strashnov” to continue foundation installation works infield at locations “TK-G09” (OSPW) and then relocate to“TK-F18” (OSPE) for installation works.
• Crew Transfer Vessel “Seacat Intrepid” operating on site as required from Grimsby.
• Boulder clearance vessel “Boka Falcon” carrying out boulder clearance works within the TKOWF boundary.
• Service Operations Vessel “Esvagt Froude” infield supporting construction operations.
• Crew Transfer Vessel “Dalby Don” infield supporting “Boka Falcon” activities.
• Survey Vessel “Guardian” continues pre installation survey operations across the proposed cable locations.
• Towing tug “Centaurus” infield with North Sea Barge “Greenbarge 1” carrying OSPW & OSPE foundation components. Working closely with Seaway Strashnov.
• Anchor Handling Vessel “Afon Wen” infield to carry out interim surveys of the perimeter demarcation buoys.

*** Note ***

Application of Triton Knoll Wind Farm Safety Zones During Construction

The Secretary of State has granted the Application of Safety Zones on the Triton Knoll Wind Farm Project as follows:

• 500m “rolling” safety zones around any structure where construction is being undertaken (as indicated by the presence of construction vessels).
• 50m pre-commissioning safety zones surrounding partial structures or completed structures prior to commissioning.

Buoys

Partrac Ltd. deployed an additional x3 Demarcation Buoys and x1 Metocean Buoy (Figure 1) at the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm (TKOWF) on 24th November 2019 using the vessel THV Galatea operated by Trinity House.

Vessels are requested to leave a wide berth during the installation operations. The buoys will be deployed for a period of two years, and all equipment will be removed at the end of the installation.

South Cardinal buoys TK01 and TK05 described in the table below have been recovered from Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm for maintenance by the vessel – “Afon Wen”. 

Guard Vessel “Sorrento” has been placed  in the general vicinity as a mitigation measure until such a time the buoyage is reinstated.

Ørsted will be carrying out a geophysical survey with the vessel Geo Ocean IV for the Hornsea Project Four Wind Farm.

A local scout/pilot vessel (Moremma) will also be contracted to reduce any potential interactions with static fishing gear markers.

The operations are planned to commence on or around 20 March 2020 and last approximately 2 weeks. The exact survey dates are dependent on weather and work progress, but the forecasted completion date as of the publication date of this notice is the end of April 2019.

The survey areas will be covered using a full geophysical survey spread including towed equipment which may be up to 400m behind the vessel. It is requested that all vessels operating within the area keep a safe distance (750m) and pass at minimum speed.

Survey Vessel: Geo Ocean IV

Call Sign: LXHD

Sat Phone: +32 (0) 4769 208 75

Cables Repair works of the HVDC bundle in the vicinity of KP170 are continuing.

The Jack up ring Brave Tern will be deploying 2 yellow cable marker buoy approx. 150m apart and from each one a line 15m long with A4 buoys attached. It is expected that one will be placed in the water on 17/18 March 2020 and it is anticipated that they will remain in situ for at least two weeks.

Vessels should pass at a safe speed and distance (approximately 500 metres) from all construction and support vessels. During these works the vessels will have restricted maneuverability as they complete their work scope.

Deployed Guard Vessels will monitor the exposed areas of cable while works progresses and advise of safe distances locally.

For background information about Moray East, please visit: www.morayoffshore.com/moray-east

Safety Zones

Please be advised that the Scottish Ministers have authorised the use of the safety zones during construction and operation of the Moray East Offshore Wind Farm as detailed below.

During construction

• A 500 metre radius around each WTG and OSP where construction works are taking place that include sensitive activities being undertaken by vessels RAM. A maximum of three of such zones is permitted at any one time. 
• A 50 metre radius around partially completed WTGs and OSPs where work is not underway and the risk assessments identify a need. 
• A 50 metre radius around each completed WTG and OSP prior to commissioning and as required by a risk assessment process. 

During major maintenance

• A 500 metre radius around all major maintenance works being undertaken around the WTGs and OSPs. No more than one major maintenance zone is permitted at any one time.

Construction Activities

It is currently anticipated that weather permitting offshore construction works will be carried out on a continuous basis (i.e. 24 hour working, seven days a week) unless notified otherwise.

Please be aware that by virtue of its mode of operation and the equipment deployed, the MV Apollo and the MV Normand Service will be Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre as defined under COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972, Rule 3). Masters of vessels are therefore requested to maintain their vessels and gears at a minimum safe distance from these vessels of 500 metres when they are undertaking it work and showing the appropriate shapes and lights.  Further Notice to Mariners will be issued as construction progresses.

There is no cable exposure evident in the South Field of the windfarm.

Geo will be performing geotechnical operations on behalf of Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm. The vessel “Wilson Adriatic” Call Sign: OYOJ2 will conduct operations within the period 13th March to 31st May 2020.

The supplier of the Havhingsten cable is Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN). Intertek are the environmental and permitting consultants.

The entire cable system will comprise marine elements that pass from Denmark to the UK (NE region); from the UK (NW) to the Republic of Ireland; with two segments being installed into landfalls on the Isle of Man. 

The proposed NW cable route

Landfall will be made at Squires Gate Lane and the cable will include two branches into the Isle of Man.

Installation will be via industry standard burial tools including water jetting and ploughing. Target cable burial depth is 1.5m below seabed level in the Irish Sea region.

It is anticipated that installation operations in UK waters will occupy up to a maximum 500m width of the seabed (250m either side of cable). The cable itself will occupy only 40mm of the seabed.

Expected speed of installation will be 17 km per day. With the planned installation taking approx. 19 days.

There will be also be associated rock placement operations post cable installation at one (1) location within UK waters listed below.

Vessels will be working throughout 24 hours and will display appropriate day shapes and lights during reduced visibility and night operations.

Details of vessels proposed to be used are provided below:

Cable Installation Vessel: Ile de Batz (known as Ile de Class)                                                                        

DP Type

Length Overall:                                140.36 m

Breadth:                                            23.40 m                             

Cable Installation Support Vessel: Ile d’Aix                                                                                                       

Installation support vessel working on shore ends and post-lay inspection and burial

Length Overall:                                151.54 m

Breadth:                                            21.60 m

FFPV Nordnes (Rock Placement Vessel)                                                                                                             

DP Type

Length Overall:                                167 m

Breadth:                                            26 m

The proposed cable route in the IoM region

The cable route is proposed to cross the Irish Sea from Loughshinny (north of Dublin in Ireland) to Squires Gate Lane (south of Blackpool on the west coast of the UK). This section of the cable route will include two branches into the Isle of Man. With landfalls at Port Erin and Port Grenaugh.

Installation will be via industry standard burial tools including water jetting and ploughing. Target cable burial depth is 1.5m below seabed level in the Irish Sea region.

It is anticipated that installation operations in UK waters will occupy up to a maximum 500m width of the seabed (250m either side of cable). The cable itself will occupy only 40mm of the seabed.

Expected speed of installation will be 17 km per day. With the planned installation taking approx. 7.5 days.

Currently there are no proposed rock dump sites within the IoM region.

There will be also be associated rock placement operations post cable installation at the two (2) locations within IoM waters listed below.

All fishing vessels are requested to maintain an appropriate and safe distance of 500 m when passing the cable installation vessels whilst operational and should pass at the lowest possible speed to avoid vessel wash effects.

Vessels will be working throughout 24 hours and will display appropriate day shapes and lights during reduced visibility and night operations.

Details of vessels proposed to be used are provided below:

Cable Installation Vessel: Ile de Batz (known as Ile de Class)                                                                        

DP Type

Length Overall:                                140.36 m

Breadth:                                            23.40 m                             

Cable Installation Support Vessel: Ile d’Aix                                                                                                       

Installation support vessel working on shore ends and post-lay inspection and burial

Length Overall:                                151.54 m

Breadth:                                            21.60 m

The supplier of the Havhingsten cable is Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN). Intertek are the environmental and permitting consultants.

The entire cable system will comprise marine elements that pass from Denmark to the UK (NE region); from the UK (NW) to the Republic of Ireland; with two segments being installed into landfalls on the Isle of Man. 

The proposed cable route in the NE.

Landfall will be made at Seaton Sluice.

Installation will be via industry standard burial tools including water jetting and ploughing. Target cable burial depth is 2m below seabed level in the North Sea region.

It is anticipated that installation operations in UK waters will occupy up to a maximum 500m width of the seabed (250m either side of cable). The cable itself will occupy only 40mm of the seabed.

Planned durations of works are as per below:

• Seaton Sluice: Nearshore to 12nm Territorial Waters boundary: 3-4 days (including 1 day for shore end landing)
• Seaton Sluice: 12nm Territorial Waters boundary to EEZ boundary (median line): 22 days (including 4 x pipeline crossings)

Expected speed of installation will be 17 km per day.

There will be also be associated rock placement operations post cable installation at the four (4) locations within UK waters listed below. There will also be associated pre-lay rock placement at CATS and Shell pipelines.

Planned durations of works are as per below:

• Seaton Sluice: Nearshore to 12nm Territorial Waters boundary: 3-4 days (including 1 day for shore end landing)
• Seaton Sluice: 12nm Territorial Waters boundary to EEZ boundary (median line): 22 days (including 4 x pipeline crossings)

Expected speed of installation will be 17 km per day.

There will be also be associated rock placement operations post cable installation at the four (4) locations within UK waters listed below. There will also be associated pre-lay rock placement at CATS and Shell pipelines.

All fishing vessels are requested to maintain an appropriate and safe distance of 500 m when passing the cable installation vessels whilst operational and should pass at the lowest possible speed to avoid vessel wash effects. Vessels will be working throughout 24 hours and will display appropriate day shapes and lights during reduced visibility and night operations.

Details of vessels proposed to be used are provided below:

Cable Installation Vessel: Ile de Batz (known as Ile de Class)                                                                        

DP Type

Length Overall:                                140.36 m

Breadth:                                            23.40 m                             

Cable Installation Support Vessel: Ile d’Aix                                                                                                       

Installation support vessel working on shore ends and post-lay inspection and burial

Length Overall:                                151.54 m

Breadth:                                            21.60 m

FFPV Nordnes (Rock Placement Vessel)                                                                                                             

DP Type

Length Overall:                                167 m

Breadth:                                            26 m

In the interests of maritime safety, mariners/fishermen are advised not to anchor, trawl or deploy bottom contact fishing equipment in the vicinity of the EirGrid East West Interconnector power cable route and within the boundary box of the exposed cable sections as detailed.

Mariners are advised that Hornsea Project Two confirms the presence of 13 confirmed unexploded ordnance (UXO) as yet undetonated within the export cable corridor.

Marker buoys have been deployed at 2 locations along the Nemo Link subsea cable route approximately 8.5km and 17.5km East of Ramsgate at the following positions:                                                                                                                                                            

51°19.193'N 001°32.578'E                                                                                                                                

51°19.817'N 001°40.282'E                                                                                                                                                                                                            

The buoys consist of a hull, day marker, mooring chain and sinker. The outer hulls and day marks are identified by yellow paint.

Fishermen and Mariners are requested to note the buoy locations and to maintain a safe distance during fishing and marine activities.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Whilst the results continue to be processed, Balfour Beatty have asked that in the interest of safety and the integrity of the cable, extreme caution be used when Fishing near the export cables and that Fishermen refrain from using towed gear across the export cables wherever possible.

These are the following cables located in the eastern part of Gunfleet Sands 1 and the north eastern part of Gunfleet Sands 2.

There is a freespan at the following array Cable Position:

A short area (4metres) of partial exposure of Export Cable EC2 is in the vicinity of the mid cable joint at the location where the cable changes direction through 180 degrees.

The maximum exposure observed was approx. 50% with no damage or defects observed. The seabed at location was observed to be flat and featureless and mainly consisted of sand and silt. It is requested that mariners avoid activities which are likely to disturb the seabed within a 500m Radius of this location until the exposed cable has been re-buried. A further Notice to Mariners will be issued to confirm the re-burial and safe operation in this area.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

See detailed map on our bulletin website

See detailed map on our bulletin website