This is a further update on rock protection work on the Moyle Returns Cables in the North Channel of the Irish Sea. A revised Notice to Mariners was issued for this work in October 2015 and can be downloaded here, giving up-to-date details on project progress and plans. A further update on progress and upcoming plans for finishing cable protection work in June 2016 is provided below.
Inshore survey & cable protection
Inshore cable protection and survey works are due to take place on the South Moyle Returns Cable between June 18th and July 6th 2016.
The survey vessel Norsemaid is due to carry out survey work on the Scottish landfall of the cable on June 18th, and the Northern Irish landfall on June 19th.
Cable protection works are due to be carried out by the tugs Coastworker and Coastrunner and split hopper barge B302. These works are expected to take place between June 22nd-28th in the vicinity of the Scottish cable landfall. The coaster Aasli will anchor to the north of the cable route during operations.
After completion of the cable protection work on the Scottish landfall, the vessels will relocate to the Northern Irish landfall. Work is expected to take place in this area between June 28th – July 6th.
The location of the proposed works is shown in the chartlet that can be accessed here.
Vessel details
Details of the vessels involved in these operations, along with their present location can be found on MarineTraffic.com via the links below:-
- Aasli: cargo vessel | call sign ZDKD7
- Coastworker: tug | call sign MHIU8
- Coastrunner: tug | call sign 2EDW3
- Norsemaid: research & survey vessel | call sign VQEB2
The vessels involved in this work may be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and other vessels are reminded to navigate with caution in their vicinity and pay attention to any instructions issued to them by navigation authorities.
The Moyle Returns Project
The Moyle Returns project is a repair to the Moyle Interconnectors that were installed in the North Channel of the Irish Sea in 2002. Two new cables were laid across the North Channel as part of the repair during 2015. These cables have either been buried or protected with rock to ensure its safe operation. More information about the Moyle cables and the repair can be found here.
Notices to Mariners
The notices to mariners presently issued for this project are:-
- Moyle Return Conductor Cables: Cable Laying, Burial & Protection Update – this notice was issued in October 2015 and can be downloaded here, giving details on project progress and plans.
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.