[Please note – this work has now been completed, the notice is archived here for reference only.]
Mariners are advised that marine survey operations are due to take place on the existing undersea gas pipelines near to Dunoon and Ardbeg in the Firth of Clyde. The survey operations are due to start in May 2022 and are expected to last approximately 20 days. Details are provided in a Notice to Mariners that can be downloaded here and which is summarised below.
Survey work
Survey operations along the pipelines will be carried out by the vessel Mersey Discovery. Survey operations will involve the use of both hull mounted equipment and towed sub-surface equipment which may extend up to 200m behind the vessel. The survey is due to start on the 14th May 2022 and to last for up to 20 days, subject to weather and sea conditions.
The purpose of the survey is to examine the extent of burial and exposure of these pipelines along their route, identify any freespans, and to monitor the condition of the pipeline.
Vessel details
The Mersey Discovery is an 11.5m Redbay RIB with a grey superstructure. The vessel details, including details on its current location can be accessed at the Marine Traffic website using the link below:-
- Mersey Discovery: survey vessel | Call sign MJIA2
During survey work the vessel will be restricted in the ability to manoeuvre. It will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will actively transmit an AIS signal. Survey speed will be around 3-4 knots.
Mariners are requested to give the survey vessel a wide berth and pass at a slow speed during these operations.
Location
A map showing the location of the survey work is provided in the Notice to Mariners that can be downloaded here. The approximate landfalls of each pipeline are provided below for reference.
- Dunoon pipeline – between 004° 56.662’W 055° 55.153’N and 004° 52.491’W 055° 55.434’N
- Ardbeg pipeline – between 005° 03.694’W 055° 51.408’N and 005° 01.499’W 055° 52.126’N
Further details are given in the Notice to Mariners that can be downloaded here.