Mariners are advised that rock placement work on the route of the Hunterston-Kintyre undersea cables started on 9th September 2015. This notice provides an update on progress with this work.
The Hunterston-Kintyre subsea power cables were laid on the seabed in June and July 2015. Cable burial work was carried out in August. Rock placement is now taking place at various locations along the cable burial route where additional cable protection is required. This rock placement work is being carried out by the fall-pipe vessels Seahorse and Rockpiper.
Rock placement work started on the 9th September with eave vessel working close to the Kintyre and Hunterston cable landfalls. The Seahorse has started work at Kintyre and will progress eastwards at locations along the cable route over the period 9th-12th September. The Rockpiper has started work on the Hunterston landfall and will remain there until the 12th September. The Seahorse is due to resume work at Hunterston over the period 15th-16th September.
A series of charts showing the location and extent of each area of rock protection, as well as the current timetable for works can be downloaded here.
A Notice to Mariners has been issued for this work by Peelports. This can be downloaded here.
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:-
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.