Hunterston-Kintyre Cable: Rock placement works, September 2015

Mariners are advised that rock placement work on the route of the Hunterston-Kintyre undersea cables is due to start on the 5th September 2015.  A Notice to Mariners has been issued for this work by Peelports.  This can be downloaded here, and is summarised below.

Cable burial work was carried out in August 2015.  Rock placement will now be carried out in areas where additional cable protection is required between the 5th and 9th September 2015.  The underwater rock placement operations will be carried out between 55°41.74´N 004°53.36´W and 55°41.97´N 005°26.93´W, will be conducted by two vessels; the Seahorse and the Rockpiper.

Vessel details

Details of the vessels involved in these operations, along with their present locations can be found on MarineTraffic.com via the links below:-

  • Seahorse: Rock Placement Vessel | Call sign PCAP
  • Rockpiper: Rock Placement Vessel | Call sign 5BML3

Whilst Seahorse and Rockpiper are conducting the rock placement and supporting operations, they will be Restricted in the Ability to Manoeuvre.  All vessels operating within this area are to keep clear of Seahorse and Rockpiper: 500 metres ahead, 1000 metres abeam and astern of the vessel to maintain a safe distance.

During operations the vessels will display the appropriate day shapes/signals and at times of reduced visibility the appropriate lights as required by the IRPCS.  The vessels will also actively transmit an AIS signal.  A continuous listening watch will be maintained on VHF Channel 16 and 12 DSC.

Three guard vessels are presently on station along the cable route and will provide advice to ensure the safety of mariners operating in the area until further notice.  The guard vessels can be contacted on VHF Channel 16.

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.

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