Mariners are advised that work on the repair of the Moyle Interconnector cables is due to start on the 1st August 2015. A Notice to Mariners has been issued for this work, detailing the route and construction schedule. This notice can be downloaded here and is briefly summarised below.
Project Schedule
Cable installation work is due to start on the 1st August 2015 (weather permitting). The installation of the first cable will start at Portmuck South (near Larne, Islandmagee, Northern Ireland) and proceed towards Currarie Port (near Ballantrae, Girvan, Scotland). The cable route is illustrated in the map available here. The northern cable is due to be laid on the seabed by the 12th August 2015.
Cable burial and protection work is due to start on the 12th August 2015 and completed by 29th October 2015. The cable will be buried wherever possible, and protected with rock where burial is not possible.
When work has been completed on the north cable, the laying of the south cable will commence. This is currently scheduled to start on the 27th September 2015 and all protection work is due to be completed by 13th January 2016. An update on this phase of the project will be provided in future bulletins.
Vessel details
Details of the vessel involved in these operations, along with their present locations can be found on MarineTraffic.com via the link below:-
- Nexans Skagerrak: cable laying vessel | Call Sign LCEK
During cable laying operations the vessel will be restricted in the ability to manoeuvre, and other vessels are asked to give a wide berth.
Nexans Skagerrak will display the prescribed lights and signals for underwater operations and will be monitoring VHF Channels 12 and 16.
Guard vessels
Guard vessels will be stationed as appropriate along the cable routed during installation and burial to ensure the safety of marine users. These vessels are being supplied by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO).
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. (Between the dates of 22nd July and 8th August, please contact Eric Houston, either by e-mail or phone (+44(0)7771-373109).