News

The 3D Seismic Survey will consist of towed survey equipment approximately 100m in length within the boundary coordinates outlined.

The survey operations are expected to take 14 days to complete and the vessel is scheduled to commence operations on the 30th May 2023, although the exact start and finish dates will be dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and work progress.

During acquisition, the Geo Ocean 3 will be restricted in changes to course and speed. It is requested that all vessels maintain a safe distance by remaining outside of the exclusion area and not to pass within 500 metres of the vessel. Throughout these operations the vessel will be displaying the appropriate day shapes and lights when required as prescribed in the International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea and will be monitoring channel VHF 16.

No equipment will be left onsite after the survey.

The guard vessel 'Enterprise II' shall be supporting the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, during these activities as deemed required.

Vessel details are as follows

The vessel Ievoli Ivory is expected to commence operations on or around 18th May 2023 comprising route clearance activities including boulder relocation, removal of out of service cables, a pre-lay grapnel run, installation of concrete mattresses and bathymetric survey along the export cable route. 

Both vessels (Ievoli Ivory and Havila Venus) will remain on site for the duration of their activities with no port calls and will be running 24hr operations (weather permitting). Havila Venus operations are expected to last until circa 31st May 2023, while Ievoli Ivory operations are expected to last until 26th June 2023.

The exact start and finish dates will be dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and work progress. Mariners and all fishing activity are requested to remain outside the coordinates provided and are requested to pass at a safe speed and distance.

During these works the Ievoli Ivory and Havila Venus will have restricted manoeuvrability as they carry out their work scopes, and this will be identified by the appropriate day shapes and night lights.

The guard vessel 'Enterprise II' shall be supporting the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, during these activities as deemed required.

The following table details vessels operational on the Sofia OWF site.

The table below also provides the position and description of any equipment/asset/item that will remain in place after the Ievoli Ivory activity is complete.

INTRODUCTION TerraSond will conduct a geophysical survey offshore Scotland for the acquisition of seabed topography and subsea geology of the offshore wind farm area. MV Ocean Fortune will conduct the survey in the Northern North Sea in connection with the Bellrock Offshore Wind Farm area as shown in Figure 1 in the attached. The proposed Bellrock site will accommodate a capacity of 1,200 MW. Due to extended mobilization and calibration works, the geophysical survey window has extended. Periodic equipment calibration works commenced from 19 April 2023 and the geophysical survey is expected to commence on 30 May 2023. The geophysical survey will be conducted from 30 May to 16 July 2023 (48 Days).

SCOPE OF WORK The BlueFloat Energy and Renantis partnership contracted TerraSond to conduct geophysical and environmental surveys for the identification of appropriate sites for Wind Turbine Generators (WTG), in the Bellrock area, offshore Scotland, central North Sea. Figure 1 in the attached outlines the extent of the Bellrock offshore area (wind farm area shaded in white). The program for the Bellrock Offshore Wind Farm will be located offshore Eastern Scotland, UK. At Bellrock 3,609 km of planned geophysical line kilometers will be surveyed.

PURPOSE Acquisition of site-specific geophysical and environmental data is required to support project development. The primary uses for the collected data will be to characterize the site for the purposes of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and to provide data to support the consenting application:

(i) Map and identify the shallow geology, seabed features, local topography, and any relevant geohazards

(ii) Feed into a project ground model

(iii) Refine the site boundary and preliminary WTG layout

(iv) Inform foundation and mooring concept selection and design

(v) Assist with planning of the reconnaissance geotechnical campaign

(vi) Advise on any future investigations, and

(vii) De-risk the initial stages of the project.

EQUIPMENT The following survey equipment will be utilized during the geophysical survey campaign: Hull Mounted Sensors:

• Multibeam Echosounder (MBES)
• Sub-Bottom Profiler (SBP)
• Ultra Short Base Line (USBL)

Towed Sensors:

• Side Scan Sonar (SSS)
• Magnetometer (MAG)
• Low Frequency single-channel sparker (SCS)

AREA The location where work will be performed is indicated on the site plan (Figure 1) in the attached NTM. Bellrock is 279 km2 and is approximately 120 km east of Stonehaven. The boundary coordinates for Bellrock Offshore Wind Farm are in WGS-1984, UTM Zone 30N, and are listed in Table 1 in the attached. 

VESSEL

For much of the period of work, the M/V Ocean Fortune will have restricted manoeuvrability. The vessel will be towing equipment close to the seabed and on the surface. We request that all vessels within the vicinity of the M/V Ocean Fortune always remain at least 1000 m clear. If another vessel in the area is conducting any geophysical or geotechnical surveys, we request a 3000 m clearance to avoid acoustic interference. The vessel M/V Ocean Fortune has AIS installed. A specification sheet for the vessel is included on page 5 in the attached. 

CONTACT DETAILS The Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) and vessel contact details are tabulated in Table 2 in the attached NTM. 

Mariners are advised that the following vessels are expected to commenc operations at the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm (TKOWF) as outlined within recently issued NtM's:

Mariners are advised that the following vessels continue to be active at the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm (TKOWF) as outlined within previously issued NtM's:

Mariners are advised that all foundations monopiles have been installed and all inter-array and export cables have been installed.

Navigation Warning - 08th January 2021

Mariners are advised that the remnants of a Wave Rider Buoy sinker weight and partial rigging are located within the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Construction site at the following location;

53° 30.442N 000° 50.564E

It is advised that the partial rigging could potentially be floating up to 9.7m above the seabed, reducing the navigable safe water in the immediate area to 10m LAT.  Mariners are advised to avoid the indicated position by 250 metres.

Possible Dangers to Navigation - Properties of the polypropylene show that the rope is buoyant, this makes the line sensitive for thruster currents. Taking the site water depth into consideration (19.7m LAT) and the maximum expected height above seabed of the rope 9.7m the line is expected to be floating submerged at approximately -10m LAT. In addition, it is noted that over time sediments will be trapped between the fibres and the heavier rope may finally sink. The polypropylene rope may impose a risk to foul propellers / propulsion of vessels due to the buoyant nature of the rope. As the rope is submerged at a depth of ~-10m LAT the risk is considered minimum for vessels with a shallow draught (<5m) and medium for a vessel with a deeper draught (>5m). Over time sediments will be trapped between the fibres and the heavier rope may finally sink thereby reducing the risk to propellers/propulsion of vessels. The clump weight itself (chain) is expected to have sunk into the seabed and has no significant height above seabed. In addition, the edges of the clump weight are mostly rounded (chain), the risk the clump weigh imposes to fishing activities/gear is therefore considered to be minimal.

Navigation Warning - 16th March 2021

Mariners are advised that two UXO targets have been confirmed within the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Array.

Mariners are advised that the two confirmed targets are located within 20 metres water depth (LAT) and a 10 metre radius exclusion zone is required around each target.  The following table provides the coordinates and a description for each target.

The USVs will be mobilised from Bridlington Marina and Scarborough Harbour where each USV will be escorted out of the harbour limits, before transiting to the survey area. Survey Operations will be continuous 24hrs a day. Although vessels are uncrewed, they are managed remotely continuously using 360 degree cameras and other sensors. The works will commence on the 13th of May 2023, continuing until 15th July when all ECR locations will have been surveyed. The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day. A chart of the DBD export Corridor under consideration and bounding coordinates is provided below. It is requested that all vessels maintain a minimum of 500m separation distance from the USVs and pass at reduced speed.

Offshore Geophysical & UXO survey will be performed by GEM in Scotia vessel using towed equipment

Area: The project area is located offshore and embraces UK TW and EEZ. The water depths range from -15 m to -64 m (LAT). Figure 1 shows the project area planned for the offshore survey works.

Planned time schedule:

The Survey is estimated to take place between 25th May to 13th July 2023 (provisional dates). The survey works are planned to be performed in two (2x) shifts of 12 hours for a total of 24 hours per day during 7 days per week.

The geophysical and UXO survey will follow this order:

1. Geophysical survey from Block 2 to Block 5;
2. UXO survey from Block 2 to Block 5.

Table 1 details the planned schedule for the geophysical and UXO survey in the UK waters. Note that this is a provisional schedule, the schedule will be updated every week and every once a survey block finishes.

Calibration will be carry out from 1 to  4 June in the area marked below (in the Block 5 )

The following safety zones are being applied for:

• “Rolling” 500 metre (m) safety zone established around each Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) or Offshore Converter Platform (OCP), and / or their foundations, whilst construction work is being performed, as indicated by the presence of a construction vessel(s);
• Pre-Commissioning 50m safety zones established around any WTG or OCP which is either partially completed or constructed where a construction vessel is not present prior to commissioning of the wind farm; and
• 500m safety zones around all major maintenance being undertaken around a WTG or OCP, as denoted by the presence of a major maintenance vessel (“major maintenance” as defined within the 2007 Regulations).

Details of the safety zones will be provided via Notice to Mariners prior to the commencement of any construction and major maintenance operations. Further details including in relation to how the safety zones will be managed once implemented are provided in the supporting safety zone application, which can be obtained by emailing a request to Comms_sofia@rwe.com.

Any person wishing to make representations to the Secretary of State about the application should do so by email to the Secretary of State, Energy Infrastructure Planning Team, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero at beiseip@beis.gov.uk stating the name of the proposal and nature of their representations, not later than 28 days from the date or latest date of publication of the notice

All instrumentation is deployed at a single deployment location within the project site. The purpose of the instrumentation is to gather Metocean and wind data to inform the proposed Muir Mhor Offshore Wind Farm Project.

The FLS mooring comprises of a surface visible buoy moored to the seabed via a two-point mooring system constructed using a combination of rope and chain.  Two guard buoys are located at approximately 30m from the main FLS buoy in a North/South orientation, with the mooring spread covering an approximate 315m radius. There is also a seabed frame for current measurements contained within the overall deployment footprint, approximately 30m East of the main FLS buoy. Note: there are 2x orange polyform marker buoys located above the northern anchor position (detailed below) which will be removed during the first planned maintenance visit.

The FLS light characteristics are Fl (5) Y 20s with 5nm range. The guard buoys’ light characteristics are FI Y 5s with 3nm range and include a yellow St. Andrew’s Cross topmark. The FLS is designated as “Muir Mhor Floating Lidar” on AIS, with MMSI number 992351400.

Details of the surface visible buoy, guard buoys, seabed frame and mooring arrangement are provided in the attachments.

MARINE USERS are requested to maintain a safe clearance distance of 500m from all assets.

The Shetland HVDC link is a critical electricity transmission link and will form part of the electrical transmission grid that is essential to the transport of renewable energy between the locations where it is generated and areas of demand, and the delivery of both Scotland’s and the United Kingdom’s 2030 climate change targets.

Campaign 2 (KP0 to KP57)

The cable has been laid on the seabed floor and trenched to the required burial depth in the seabed where possible, the remaining works required along the Campaign 2 section of the cable is rock placement works (rock placement vessel tbc).

To protect the cable in the cable corridor, Guard Vessels are currently deployed along the route.

Campaign 3 (KP57 to KP160) For installation Campaign 3, the vessel, NKT Victoria, will be used to lay the cable on the seabed. Once the cable is laid on the seabed, the vessel, Grand Canyon III, will be used to trench the cable to the required burial depth in the seabed. Any sections along the cable route that cannot be trenched, rock placement will be undertaken by a rock placement vessel (TBC), to achieve the required protection. All works will be continuous, 24 hours a day. For any crossings, protection will follow the agreement made with the asset owner. In the period between cable lay and cable burial, or protection by rock placement, the cable will be exposed on the seafloor. During this time the cable is sensitive to any external impact and constitutes a snagging risk for anchoring, fishing gear or other equipment with seabed intervention. For this reason, the cable corridor will remain closed for any fishing that interacts with the seabed, anchoring or use of other equipment with seabed intervention.

To protect the cable in the cable corridor, Guard Vessels will be deployed along the route.

It is requested that all vessels maintain a minimum of 500m safe distance from the installation vessels and pass at reduced speed. It is advised that mobile fishing gear should not be placed within 500m of the cable corridor. Static fishing gear, or any other equipment that interacts with the seabed, should not be deployed within the cable corridor. Co-ordinates of the cable route and charts of the working area are provided below.

Please be aware that vessels NKT Victoria, Grand Canyon III and the rock placement vessel will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972). Masters of vessels are therefore requested to maintain their vessels at a minimum safe passing distance of 500 metres.

For restricted areas, communication should be made to NKT Victoria, Grand Canyon III, the rock placement vessel and the Guard Vessels for safe passage. NKT Victoria, Grand Canyon III and the rock placement vessel will display the appropriate shapes and lights in accordance with COLREGs Rules 16 and 18.

Ongoing Operations

Export Cable – Installation The cable laying vessel, NKT Victoria, will install the Dogger Bank B export cable in the Southern North Sea in two sections. In addition, concrete mattresses will be installed at the Langeled and SEAL pipeline crossings. The work will be performed in two Campaigns, starting approximately the 16th April 2023 and continuing until approximately 10th June 2023. The work will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

The trenching support vessel, Grand Canyon III, will perform post-lay cable burial operations, including post-trench survey, on the Dogger Bank B export cable in the Southern North Sea.

The work will be performed in a single Campaign, starting approximately the 04th May 2023 and continuing until approximately the 08th August 2023.  The work will be continuous, 24 hours a day

Export Cable – Guard Vessel Deployment Installation of the Dogger Bank B Offshore Windfarm Export Cable will commence on the 15th April 2023. Guard vessels will be deployed to protect the cable bundle from start of cable lay until the cable is adequately protected by means of trenching or rock placement. To provide the required coverage, approximately 15 guard vessels will be used in the period from the 15th April 2023 until the 30th August 2023. Durations at each location will depend on progress of the cable installation, trenching and rock placement operations. Not all the vessels are expected to be used concurrently. The primary purpose of the guard vessels is to protect exposed cable along the Dogger Bank B Export Cable corridor by monitoring and issuing warnings to marine traffic operating within 6nm of the construction area with a Closest Point of Approach (CPA) < 1.5nm. More specifically, the focus will be on those vessels with potential to be engaging in bottom contact activities such as fishing and anchoring. The guard vessels will be clearly marked and display a highly visible "GUARD" sign on each side. The vessels will operate 24hrs, in all but extreme weather. Exchange of vessels on site will ensure the relevant section of cable is never left unguarded. In sections where cable protection has been completed, guard vessels will be released and sections will be opened for fishing or use of other equipment with seabed intervention. This may not necessarily be in a sequential order from shoreside outwards.

Please be advised that Jan De Nul Luxembourg S.A. shall be undertaking PLGR (“Pre Lay Grapnel Run”), power cable installation and power cable protection activities for the Pentland Firth East (3) project. The project will install a subsea power cable between Caithness at Murkle Bay to Rackwick Bay at Hoy.

An overview of the cable route is shown in the attached NtM. The working area that will be required for the duration of the power cable installation activities is defined as a corridor ±250m (± meaning “either side”) around the cable route centre line and additional areas in both Murkle Bay and Rackwick Bay.

LEGAL NOTICE Please be advised that this Notice to Mariners should be treated as official notice of the nature, duration and location of the works which are scheduled to take place. During the period of this notice, we request that you plan your activities around our short-term, temporary activities.

Any failure to remove equipment or entry into the identified location in a manner that would constitute a hazard may be a breach of your duties of safe seamanship as described in the Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 and/or the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and may result in removal of the relevant equipment. Failure to remove equipment or entry into the identified location in a manner that would constitute a hazard may constitute a breach of duty of care at common law, and a failure to protect submarine cables for successful seabed user co-existence under Scotland's National Marine Plan.

The vessels carrying out the works will be restricted in their ability to manoeuver and will display the appropriate lights and shapes (two black spheres and in the middle a black diamond shape, in a vertical line). Other vessels are requested to pass at a safe speed and provide a minimum clearance of 500m (COLREGs Rule 16 & 18) from the vessels during marine operations. The vessels will monitor VHF Channel 16 at all times.

Works Description The first activity to be undertaken is a pre-lay grapnel run, which will clear the seabed along the cable route of any debris. This task will be undertaken by multicat Green Isle.

The primary activity of the project is the installation of a subsea power cable between Caithness at Murkle Bay to Rackwick Bay at Hoy. The cable will be transported and installed by cable laying vessel Connector. The cable installation activities will start with a beach pull-in at Murkle Bay, followed by cable laying on the seabed and finally a beach pull-in at Rackwick Bay. Both beach pull-ins will be supported by several support vessels.

During the beach pull, a diving support vessel will be present at the beach landing with divers removing the floatation units of the cable in order to sink the cable on the correct cable route on the seabed. The dive support vessel will be moored with anchors and the divers will move along the cable at both beach landings (Murkle Bay and Rackwick Bay) removing the floatation units until the cable is completely installed up to -15m LAT.

Following the cable laying, the cable will be protected and stabilized on the seabed. Part of the cable will be buried by a jet trenching machine and other sections will be stabilized by the installation of rock bags on the power cable. These activities will be carried out by Adhémar De Saint-Venant and Symphony. The cable sections in the nearshore area adjacent to the landfalls will be protected by divers using DSV Uskmoor.

Equipment calibration operations may take place out of the defined corridor and these areas will be chosen so as not to interfere with fishing/shipping activity. Scrabster harbour will be used as main logistical hub for this project.

The Geophysical Survey within the Nearshore Export Cable Corridor will utilise towed survey equipment. During this operation, the survey will be undertaken by the SV Manor Brunel, which will be operating at approximately 3-4 knots, with equipment being towed at a distance up to 200m astern of the vessel. The survey will be conducted within an approximate 5km wide corridor to depth contours less than 20m. 

The vessel will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and will display the appropriate lights and shapes prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Other vessels are requested to provide a minimum clearance of 500m from the survey vessel during marine operations, and pass at a safe speed. Fisheries Liaison will be provided from Onshore for the duration of the survey. Regular Securitie Messages will be issued on thr VHF Channel 16 and this Channel will be monitored by the vessel at all times. The vessel will also transmit regular Automatic Indentification System (AIS) Messages. 

St Andrews University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) is conducting scientific research in the Morlais Demonstration Zone (MDZ). SMRU wishes to install equipment (Passive Acoustic Monitoring or PAM) on the seabed to gather acoustic data. This document provides information on the planned PAM deployments for the local fishing industry and other sea users in the area.

Floating LiDAR system WS21 is currently deployed within Zone 5 (Welsh water) of the Celtic Sea  to record metocean data. It is understood that LiDAR installation WS21 is in poor physical condition and risks further degradation without intervention, necessitating recovery and maintenance. Works previously estimated to occur between 22/04/23 to 29/04/23 are now delayed due to weather and are expected to occur between 01/05/2023 and 07/05/23 if suitable conditions arise. 

Please refer to locations in the coordinates table and chart below, see blue square for the position of WS21.

Recovery and maintenance will take place as follows:

1. Sarah Grey to steam to W21 site.
2. WS21 LiDAR buoy is detached from its mooring.
3. Yellow temporary buoy with flashing light will be attached to mooring spread while maintenance is carried out.
4. Sarah Grey will tow the WS21 LiDAR buoy into Padstow Harbour.
5. Approximately three days maintenance on the LiDAR.
6. Sarah Grey will tow WS21 LiDAR is towed out of Padstow Harbour to its original position.
7. Temporary buoy is removed and WS21 LiDAR reattached to mooring spread.
8. Sarah Grey will return to home port.

During the now completed inspection of potential UXO targets, a total of 81 targets have been confirmed as UXO.

Scope of work will be to dispose confirmed UXO targets using a technique called deflagration.

The coordinates of the next  cUXOs to be disposed of are presented in the below Table 1 (these are the same as presented in Figure 2 below):

Table 1. Coordinates of cUXO

The development of the windfarm is made up of several elements - current ongoing elements include:

Foundation Installation       

The Offshore installation vessel, HLV Seaway Strashnov, will install monopile foundations, within the Dogger Bank A construction area. The works commenced in October 2022. The HLV Seaway Strashnov has returned to the construction area and has resumed monopile foundation installation., continuing until approximately Q3 2023. The works will be continuous 24 hours a day..

The installed monopiles will be marked with temporary lighting with the following characteristics: • Flashing (Fl) Yellow (Y) 2.5 seconds (s) • IALA Availability Category 2 (not less than 99.0%) • 360° visibility – up to two lights per structure may be used to achieve this • At least 2 nm range.

The Heavy Lift Crane Vessel, Jumbo Fairplayer, will install foundation transition pieces to the mono-piled locations within the Dogger Bank A construction area.  The works will commence the 04th May 2023 and will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

During operations, the Jumbo Fairplayer will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message. A Statutory Safety zone of 500m radius will be in place around the Jumbo Fairplayer during the installation of foundations. 

Construction Support Activities

The Offshore Supply Vessel, VOS Start, will continue with ongoing   construction support activities within Dogger Bank A construction site.

The Offshore Construction Support Vessel, Edda Sphynx will carry out construction support activities within Dogger Bank A construction site. 

The works will be performed in a single campaign, commencing on the 6th of November 2022 and continuing until approximately 30th September 2023. The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

OSP Commissioning The DBA Offshore Substation Platform (OSP) will undergo a Commissioning phase within the Dogger Bank A construction area. The Jack up Vessel (JUV) Seajacks Leviathan will jack up and connect to the DBA OSP by a fixed gangway. The Seajacks Leviathan will remain on site during the Commissioning phase, acting as the accommodation platform and OSP emergency evacuation vessel. 

The works will commence on approximately the 27th of April 2023, continuing until approximately 31st of August 2023. The works will be continuous 24 hours a day.

The Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) Standard Defender will support the Seajacks Leviathan, carrying out regular supply runs to the offshore site.  

For further details of current offshore construction activities, please contact the people below or see attached Weekly Notice of Operations.

WTG Pre-installation Survey

The offshore survey vessel Mimer will carry out a multibeam echo sounder (MBES) survey prior to wind turbine generator (WTG) installation operations at Dogger Bank A. The MBES equipment will be hull mounted with no towed equipment involved in the operations.

The works will commence on the 15th of May 2023, continuing until 15th June when all WTG locations will have been surveyed. The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

During operations, the Mimer will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message.

IAC Installation

The Cable Lay Vessel (CLV) VIKING NEPTUN will conduct Inter Array Cable laying operations in the Dogger Bank A OWF. The Walk to Work DP2 vessel WIND OF PRIDE will assist with cable installation and termination works.

The WIND OF PRIDE will commence with pull in preparation works on the 25th of May 2023 and continue installation and termination works until approximately 31st of December 2023. The VIKING NEPTUN will commence cable lay works on the 6th of June 2023. The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

During operations, the WIND OF PRIDE and VIKING NEPTUN will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message.

The surveys are being undertaken for the purposes of geotechnical investigations for the Hornsea Project  Three Offshore Wind Farm (Hornsea Three) project, located within the UK Sector of the North Sea.

Please be advised that the Fugro Aran 250 is anticipated to mobilise on 28th May 2023 from Lowestoft and begin survey works on 30th May 2023 (weather dependent), with investigations along the HOW03 propsoed export route. The works will last for approximately 14 days, allowing for mobilisation, survey operations, de-mobilisation and weather contingency. Geotechnical operations at the site are expected to be carried out from the Jack Up Barge (JUB), Fugro Aran 250 and will be operational 24 hours per day unless stood down by weather conditions. Note that the vessel will have limited manoeuvrability and it is requested that all vessels operating near the survey vessels maintain a safe distance (at least 500m) and pass at minimum speed. The Fugro Aran 250 will be lit to allow night time operations and display RED_WHITE_RED lighting and shapes to indicate that it is a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre. Crew will not be living on board the Fugro Aran 250 and a RHIB will be operational between the adjacent pontoons/quayside stairs and the JUB twice per day to crew change. There will be three support vessels operating alongside the Fugro Aran 250, as detailed in Section 6 of this notice.

Activity: During May and June 2023, the geophysical survey vessel Lady Kathleen, will be engaged in survey activities associated with the investigation of a site for development of an offshore wind farm in the Irish Sea, approximately 25nm off the English coast.

Dates: Operations will take place subject to weather and other operational factors from 28th May for up to 2 weeks.

The survey vessel will operate on a 12hr basis and display appropriate day shapes (mast head signals visually indicating the status of a vessel to other vessels on navigable waters during daylight hours) and lights at all times during operations.

The survey work will be conducted with multibeam echosounder and towed sidescan sonar and magnetometer with layback up to 200m behind the vessel.

In addition to the survey area, the vessel will transit from/to Douglas, Ilse of Man.

Seafarers are asked to maintain a safe distance from the vessel and be aware of the operational area during this period.

Please be advised that Geoquip Marine Operations AG will be performing geotechnical operations in the form of soil investigation at Pentland Offshore Floating Wind Farm.

The vessel Dina Polaris will conduct operations within the period 01 May 2023 to 26 May 2023. The total duration of operational time at the site is estimated to be approx. 25 days. Please note, that the works may incur periods where the vessel is not operating, and that the finalisation of the project can be delayed. Additions to the scope of work by performing ‘optional locations’ will also cause delays in the project timeline.

During this survey the vessel will be deploying survey equipment at which times the vessel might have restricted ability to manoeuvre and approaching vessels are requested to pass at a safe distance and speed.

The Dina Polaris is planned to mobilise in the port of Scrabster, Scotland on 01 May 2023. Following completion of Project Operations, the vessel will transit to Scrabster, Scotland for demobilisation activities.

All vessels engaged in the survey activity will exhibit appropriate lights and shapes prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea; relative to their operations. All vessels engaged in the activity will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message.

All vessels are requested to give the survey vessel Dina Polaris at least 500 m safety clearance aft. Mariners are reminded to navigate with caution and keep continued watch on VHF Channel 16 when navigating the area.

Contact information of relevant personnel, site plans, investigation plans, and survey vessel details, are provided in the attached. 

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Fugro will deploy two (2) Floating Seawatch LiDAR buoys within the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm site for the acquisition of Wind and Metocean Data for a minimum period of 24 months.

The two buoys are anticipated to be deployed no earlier than the 5th of June 2023 (exact date is weather dependent).

Mariners are advised to maintain a 500 m clearance from the deployed equipment.  Operations will be completed by the Fishing vessel ‘MS Elisabeth’.

The buoys will remain in situ until June 2025, the exact removal date will depend on weather and be determined at a later stage. A separate NtM will be issued for the removal activity.

Details on the Seawatch Wind LiDAR (3.0) Buoys including navigational safety features and mooring layout design are provided in the attached NtM. 

The following equipment will be recovered, maintained, and redeployed:

• 1 x Subsea mooring
• 1 x Floating LiDAR (FLS)

Maintenance activities will include but not be limited to:

• Visual Inspection, testing and replacing components as required.
• Cleaning & regreasing
• Replace batteries.
• Data download

All vessels are requested to maintain a 500m exclusion zone around the location.

Please be advised that installation of the Havhingsten fibre optic telecommunication Whitley Bay Stub Route has been completed.

The supplier of the Havhingsten cable is Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN). Intertek are the environmental and permitting consultants.

The Whitley Bay Stub Route has been installed between the Beach Man Hole (BMH) and the territorial sea limit but it will not yet be connected to the telecommunication network. This cable is to provide infrastructure for the network to expand relatively easily when demand is required within the next 10 - 15 years.

Due to challenging soil conditions and rocky seabed, there are sections of surface laid cable and areas with shallow burial (less than 0.20m burial depth), coordinates can be found below. No further operations to bury these sections of cable are planned due to the challenging soil conditions. The cable is protected by the armoured cable type and from the BMH up to kilometre point (KP) 0.474 the cable is additionally protected by Articulated Pipe.

Coordinates for the surface laid cable and shallow burial areas are provided in the attached Notice to Mariners.

Post-Lay Inspection & Burial (PLIB) by jetting for the section of surface laid cable close to the territorial sea limit was completed on the 1 November 2022.

The geotechnical survey operations on the Dogger Bank South offshore export cable route options are expected to be carried out by the Voe Vanguard starting around 24 May 2023, continuing for a period of approximately six weeks. The exact start and finish dates will be dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and work progress.

As the Voe Vanguard will be deploying investigation equipment to the seabed, it is requested that all vessels operating within this area keep their distance, maintaining at least a 500m exclusion zone, and pass at minimum speed to reduce vessel wash. A continuous listening watch will be conducted on VHF Channel 16 by the survey vessel. Operations will be conducted on a 24-hour basis.

Guard vessel Rover Alpha will maintain a presence along the nearshore export cable route during geotechnical survey operations in this area and can be contacted on VHF channel 16 for any project or fisheries related queries.

The Geophysical Survey within the Export Cable Corridor will utilise towed survey equipment. During this operation, the survey will be undertaken by the SV Manor Brunel, which will be operating at approximately 3-4 knots, with equipment being towed at a distance up to 200m astern of the vessel. The survey will be conducted within an approximate 5km wide corridor to depth contours less than 20m. 

The vessel will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and will display the appropriate lights and shapes prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Other vessels are requested to provide a minimum clearance of 500m from the survey vessel during marine operations, and pass at a safe speed. Fisheries Liaison will be provided from Onshore for the duration of the survey. Regular Securitie Messages will be issued on thr VHF Channel 16 and this Channel will be monitored by the vessel at all times. The vessel will also transmit regular Automatic Indentification System (AIS) Messages. 

The WIND OF PRIDE will commence with pull in preparation works on the 25th of May 2023 and continue installation and termination works until approximately 31st of December 2023. The VIKING NEPTUN will commence cable lay works on the 6th of June 2023. The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day. A chart of the DBA cable array area is provided below.

The walk to work vessel will deploy and pick up tower teams on the different foundations to support the cable pull in and the cable installation finalization works. The cable lay vessel will deploy the inter array cable onto the seabed through her dedicated deck spread.

During operations, the WIND OF PRIDE and VIKING NEPTUN will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message. It is requested that all vessels maintain a minimum of 1.5Nm separation distance from the vessels and pass at reduced speed. Fishing gear or other equipment with seabed intervention should not be deployed when approaching the working corridor.

During operations the Grand Canyon III will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message. It is requested that all vessels maintain a minimum of 1.5Nm separation distance from the Cable vessel and pass at reduced speed. In the period between cable pull-in and cable burial, or protection by rock placement, the cable will be exposed on the seafloor. During this time the cable is sensitive to any external impact and constitutes a snagging risk for equipment with seabed intervention.

The 17 construction boundary demarcation buoys will remain in location until the windfarm construction activities have been completed and handed over to the Operations and Maintenance teams.

Once the permanent Aids to Navigation (AtoN) have been installed on the WTGs, Trinity House will approve the permanent AtoN and the boundary buoys will be removed.

If anyone finds a buoy that is off station or encounters a buoy location where it is not functioning or is missing, they should report this to the Dogger Bank Duty Marine Coordinator as soon as possible.

Deep Helder is being utilised to conduct these surveys. Vessel mobilisation for these works is anticipated to be 08/04/2023. Duration of works is estimated to be 42 days. This has now been extended due to weather conditions. 

During the survey, the vessels will be deploying underwater survey equipment; including multiple items towed behind the vessel at low speeds. The following equipment will be deployed:

• Multibeam Echosounder (MBES)
• Acoustic MBES Backscatter (ABS)
• Side Scan Sonar (SSS)
• Magnetometer (MAG)
• High Frequency Sub-Bottom Profiler (SBP)
• Ultra High Resolution Seismic (UHRS)

During the survey, the vessels will be deploying underwater survey equipment; including multiple items towed behind the vessel. The vessel will be restricted in their ability to maneuver and will display the appropriate lights and shapes prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Other vessels are requested to provide a minimum clearance of 500 m from the survey vessel during marine operations, and pass at a safe speed. A Fisheries Liaison Officer will be onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey. VHF Channel 16 will be monitored by the vessel. The vessel will also transmit regular Automatic Transmission System (AIS) Messages. Should adverse weather conditions occur during the works the vessel will seek shelter at the masters discretion.

Should you require further information regarding these activities please find relevant contacts below.

Mariners are advised that a bore hole drilling campaign will be commenced on the 1st June 2023 and is anticipated to take a maximum of 45 operational days, weather permitting.

During surveying activities within the OAA, the vessel will have restricted ability to manoeuvre and approaching vessels are requested to pass at a safe speed and distance.  The proposed survey is a borehole drilling survey to identify seabed condition subsurface, which is essential to inform the project design specifications.

Vessel: Dina Polaris

IMO: 9765031

Vessel Contractor: Geoquip Marine

VSat: Bridge Tel +47 512 290 10

Email: bridge@dinapolaris.mmred.no

The vessel will mobilise and operate out of Scrabster Harbour in Caithness. The vessel will drill up to 18 boreholes up to a depth of 60 m depending on weather and location conditions/constraints.

The sub-sea exit point has been subject to a full Hydrographic and geophysical survey during preconstruction. Surveys concluded the seabed was constituted of rock and compacted sands/gravels. Once completed the protruding ducting at the seabed exit point will not exceed 5% of the water depth at LAT.

SSE Renewables are not expecting fishermen to relocate gear - on this occasion the vessel(s) will work around any gear on location. A scouting/guard vessel will operate ahead of the survey vessel to ensure that this can be achieved.

The survey work is being undertaken by Fugro and will be conducted from the vessel Fugro Scout. The geotechnical survey is due to start  01 June 2023. The scouting/guard vessel will be the Artemis.

The scope of work within the main array area will comprise up to 35 composite rotary boreholes advanced as a combination of sampling in sand and clay and CPT downhole pushes through suitable soils and then extended by rotary core drilling to depths up to 40 m below seabed.

During the campaign, the survey vessel will be deploying underwater equipment to obtain cores and assess the geology in the area. As a consequence of equipment being deployed and the modes of operation, all mariners are advised to keep a safe clearance distance of no less than 500 m from the vessel(s). No towed equipment will be used.

During the survey campaign, the survey vessel will tow underwater equipment to gather data on the seabed. These include Sidescan sonar and magnetometer. The vessel will be restricted in its movements due to the towed equipment. The survey area is defined by the following WGS84 coordinates in Table 1. There will be an Offshore Fisheries Liaison Officer on board the vessel as well as an Onshore Fisheries Liaison Officer to account for 24 hour survey operations.

The earliest survey will mobilise is the 2nd June 2023. The expected completion of the geophysical survey will be by the 11th June 2023, weather permitting, and therefore there may be the potential for an extension to the work duration.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

ROV based operations from the vessel Atlantis Dweller at the EA3 site are expected to be carried out from 24th May 2023 until approximately 30th June 2023. Please note that the exact finish date will be dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and work progress.

As the Atlantis Dweller will be undertaking ROV survey operations over prescribed target locations, the vessel will be restricted in its manoeuvrability whilst the ROV is in the water. Therefore, it is requested that all vessels operating within this area keep their distance, maintaining at least the 1000 m exclusion around the vessel.

Survey operations will be conducted on a 24 hour basis.

Vessels are requested to maintain a safe distance of 250 meters from the coordinates.

• Device is marked with Colour yellow - flash yellow light – 1 FY5s – Light range 3nm
• Mooring buoys are marked with Colour yellow - flash yellow light – 1 FY5s – Light range 1nm

During peak times of tide, buoys may be submerged

Main Vessel Routes: Between Hatston Pier, Kirkwall and EMEC Tidal Test Site, Fall of Warness Orkney VTS will be notified of all operations and movements

Vessels are requested to maintain a minimum distance of 250 meters from the stated Co-ordinates submitted.

Vessels involved will be keeping continuous listening watch on Channel 16 and 6 and will display appropriate lights and marks as required by the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Mariners are requested to give the works a wide berth.

The works are scheduled to be deployed during four visits to site (from Port of Blyth) with the length of Met-ocean Buoys deployments will vary depending on the installation location, and details of recovery dates will be confirmed in further Notice to Mariners to be issued during the course of the project.

The Demarcation Buoys will be deployed for a period of approximately three years.

Vessels are requested to leave a wide berth during the installation operations.

THV Patricia shall be monitoring VHF 16 during the scope of the works and shall also be exhibiting the correct day shapes and night lights for a vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre.  Vessel details for the THV Patricia are as follows;

The table below provides a summary of each Cardinal and Special Mark Buoy to be deployed at SOWF, including target coordinates in WGS84 Degrees Decimal Minutes and a description of top mark and lantern characteristics.

The table below provides a summary of the Met-ocean Buoys to be deployed at SOWF and on the Export Cable Route.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

The Geophysical survey over the (NE2) development area will be utilising towed sensors. During the survey the Mainport Geo will be operating at approximately 4 knots with equipment being towed at a distance of up to 300 m astern of the vessel.

The vessel will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and will display the appropriate lights and shapes prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Other vessels are requested to provide a minimum clearance of 500 m from the survey vessel during marine operations, and pass at a safe speed.  A Fisheries Liaison Officer will be onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey.  Regular Securite Messages will be issued on VHF Channel 16 and this Channel will be monitored by the vessel at all times.  The vessel will also transmit regular Automatic Indentification  System (AIS) Messages.

The anchors are some 25 m to the south/75 m to the north of the SWEL offshore transmission cables at Carnoustie landfall. The anchors are likely to stay burried insitu.

• Anchors #1 & #2 are 1000kg, Anchor #1 has a 4 meter of chain attached.
• Anchors #3 & #6 are 1500kg

The anchors were deposited as temporary deposits for securing nearshore cables and ducting during installation of the Seagreen Wind Farm Offshore Transmission Cables. Attempts to successfully locate and thus retrieve the anchors have been unsuccessful including geophysical survey of the area concerned.

It is likely that the anchor have become buried beneath the seabed and so do not pose a risk to navigation. Geophysical survey has been undertaken to search for the anchors, however they cannot be found. As it is not possible to locate the anchors there are no plans to recover the material.

Mariners are advised that Rigmar Services Limited continue to conduct a Geophysical Survey and plan to commence a Geotechnical seabed survey in Yell Sound, Shetland.

Marine operations are ongoing and are expected to be completed by 21st June 2023. Operations will be conducted from the vessel Isle of Jura. Isle of Jura will conduct a Gradiometer Survey, Seabed Sampling and Seabed CPT’s (Cone Penetration Testing). The vessel will be operting in DP Mode.

The operation will be carried out continuously, 24 hours a day. The vessel will display the appropriate day shapes/signals, and during reduced visibility, the appropriate lights required by the IRPCS. Additionally, the vessel will actively transmit an AIS signal. A continuous listening watch will be maintained on VHF Channel’s 16, 14 and DSC. The requested safety zone around the vessel while working is 1 nm, and is at the discretion of the Captain.

Please be advised that from the 18th to the 25th of May, the vessel Mersey Discovery will be conducting near shore survey work. The inshore survey will involve the use of a Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) and a Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP), and will be restricted to daylight hours only.

This survey will now be carried out by the 12meter Catamaran ‘Norfolk Swift’ and is scheduled to start on or around Monday 23rd May, dependant on weather and conditions.

All mariners please note that the sub-bottom survey will involve ‘Norfolk Swift’ utilising a towed array of highly sensative sounding and sonar equipment towed from the stern of the vessel.

Therefore a wide berth - minimum 500 meters – is requested whenever ‘Norfolk Swift’ is on-site and passing vessels are requested to reduce speed if possible.

This survey will cover the whole of the wind farm site and depending on weather and condition can be expected to last for a further (approx.) 2 / 3 weeks

A listening watch will be kept on vhf channels 16 & 12 and ‘Norfolk Swift’ can be contacted for information relating to vessel movement only

Whitehaven will be the port of operation and ‘Norfolk Swift’ will operate on a 12 hour daylight only basis

Attached for information is the latest ‘kingfisher awareness chart’ which gives all of the relevant information concerning the robin rigg wind farm as well as a picture of  ‘Norfolk Swift’

Fishing inside the wind farm

For more information on the boundaries of the 50 metre advisory safety distances please ensure that you have the latest kis-orca information installed - this can be downloaded from www.kis-orca.eu

Please also consult the mmo website : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/marking-of-fishing-gear-retrieval-and-notification-of-lost-gear

If fishing inside the wind farm you are advised to use dhan buoys anchored towards the middle of the lane with a long weighted feed line rather than marker buoys that can be moved by the strong tides and so foul the turbines.

If you know of any fisherman who works the area and does not receive this information or anybody else who would benefit from this information please let me know.

Please do not hesitate to contact if you require any further information.

Tom Watson

Tel Mobile: 07903 173 624

Inside the Morlais demonstration zone the frame sits on the seabed in more than 30m of water, with no surface infrastructure such as buoys or markers. Vessels will be able to pass safely through the area and above the frames. Use of static or mobile benthic fishing gear in the immediate area should be avoided to avoid the risk of snagging.

The position listed here is as deployed.

The offshore geotechnical survey of the proposed Morgan (North) and Mona (South) Offshore Wind Farm Project array areas is expected to commence on the 15 May 2023. The investigation involves the “Cone Penetration Testing” of ~250 sites throughout the two proposed areas. The vessel will be stationary at each CPT location for ~4-6 hrs to allow the tests to be conducted at the seabed. 

All vessels are requested to maintain a safe distance (500 m) from the survey vessel Connector at all times. The vessel Connector has AIS installed.

FLOATING LIDAR BUOY The floating LiDAR buoys deployed at sites 1 and 3 records meteorological data and are anchored to the seabed by means of a mooring chain and a ground weight. The buoy has dimensions of 4m x 4m, and when deployed the tallest mast on the buoy sits approx. 4m above the water line. The lantern will have a flash sequence Fl (5) Y 20s. Please maintain a 500m exclusion around each buoy.

WAVEBUOY

The wavebuoy deployed at each site is a 1.1 m diameter yellow spherical buoy fitted with a flashing antenna with sequence Fl (5) Y 20s.

GUARD BUOY

The guard buoy deployed at site 2 comprises a yellow St Andrews Cross, radar reflector, and yellow navigation light. The light will have a flash sequence Fl (5) Y 20s.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

OWPL have redeployed the FLS2 at its previous location. (DDM = 58° 48.7157' N, 4° 20.64135' W, DMS = 58° 48' 42.94" N, 4° 20' 38.48" W). Both the FLS2 and the wave buoy are part of continued metocean survey works which are continuing through to October 2023.

Onshore FLO: phone: +44 (0) 7926 418 820, email: OWPLFisheries@xodusgroup.com;

The temporary marker buoy characteristics – Yellow Special Mark with light pattern: Fl(Y)5s. The positioning of the marker buoy will be temporary during the active 2023 nearshore marine works, this position is adjacent to the nearshore activities onsite as shown in the chart included with this notice.

The temporary marker buoy will be re-positioned between the exposed ducts when vessels are not working on the site.

The works will commence on the 15 th of May 2023, continuing until 15th June when all WTG locations will have been surveyed. The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day. A chart of the DBA construction area and bounding coordinates is provided below.

During operations, the Mimer will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message. It is requested that all vessels maintain a minimum of 500m separation distance from the Mimer and pass at reduced speed.

The works will re-commence in March 2023, continuing until approximately Q3 2023 The works will be continuous 24 hours a day. Charts of the DBA construction area and foundation locations are provided.  A running list of the next locations to be installed and completed foundation locations will be presented in the Weekly Notice of Operations.

The installed monopiles will be marked with temporary lighting with the following characteristics: • Flashing (Fl) Yellow (Y) 2.5 seconds (s) • IALA Availability Category 2 (not less than 99.0%) • 360° visibility – up to two lights per structure may be used to achieve this • At least 2 nm range.

During operations, the HLV Seaway Strashnov and the Jumbo Fairplayer will be restricted in ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessels will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message.

During operations, a Statutory Safety zone of 500m radius will be in place around the HLV Seaway Strashnov and the Jumbo Fairplayer during the installation of foundations. The safety zones will be monitored by a guard vessel. The primary response will be to warn passing traffic of the ongoing works and any active safety zones, and to alert any vessels where an infringement may occur or has occurred.

Eolos has deployed two (2) Floating LiDAR Devices offshore Scotland for the acquisition of Wind and Metocean Data for a minimum period of 12 months.

The units deployed are:

• FLS200 E25 (deployed 09 Apr 2023); and
• FLS200 E26 (deployed 08 Apr 2023)

Metocean buoy

Illustrative figures showing the buoy dimensions and general arrangement are provided in the attached NtM. 

Once in the water the top of the tallest mast is around 4 meters above the sea level.

The buoy is fitted with the following navigational safety features:

• Buoy painted yellow in colour;
• Yellow St Andrews Cross;
• Radar reflector;
• AIS AtoN (with MMSI 992351405, corresponding to Broadshore FLIDAR E26); and
• Marine lantern (with flash character Fl (5) Y 20s - 5 yellow flashes every 20 seconds) with a range of 5 nautical miles.

Mooring design

The buoy drifting radius is approximately 240 m from its deployment position. All material will be removed from the seabed after the measurement campaign is complete. The mooring layout design is provided on the final page of this document. The mooring layout design is provided as the final page of the attached NtM.

Eolos has deployed two (2) Floating LiDAR Devices offshore Scotland for the acquisition of Wind and Metocean Data for a minimum period of 12 months.

The units deployed are:

• FLS200 E25 (deployed 09 Apr 2023); and
• FLS200 E26 (deployed 08 Apr 2023).

Deployment coordinates and chart are provided in the attached NtM. 

Metocean buoy

Illustrative figures showing the buoy dimensions and general arrangement are provided in the attached NtM. 

Once in the water the top of the tallest mast is around 4 meters above the sea level.

The buoy is fitted with the following navigational safety features:

• Buoy painted yellow in colour;
• Yellow St Andrews Cross;
• Radar reflector;
• AIS AtoN (with MMSI 992351404, corresponding to Bellrock FLIDAR E25); and
• Marine lantern (with flash character Fl (5) Y 20s - 5 yellow flashes every 20 seconds) with a range of 5 nautical miles.

Mooring design

The buoy drifting radius is approximately 165 m from its deployment position. All material will be removed from the seabed after the measurement campaign is complete. The mooring layout design is provided on the final page of this document. The mooring layout design is provided as the final page of the attached NtM.

As part of the survey activity a seabed frame shall be deployed within the Seagreen site boundary in the coordinates 56° 32.740' N  001° 30.390' W.The frame/mooring shall have no surface marking with recovery by acoustic release system. The surveys will take place on the research vessel, RV Corystes, on charter to MSS between 05-11 May and MSS’s MRV Scotia between 18 September – 03 October 2023.  RV Corystes is expected to commence survey operations on or around the 5th of May.

Please be advised that a subsea survey carried out in 2022 identified 8 cable routes with cable exposures. The below table provides the locations of the identified exposures.

Mariners are reminded that further safety information related to array cable exposures can be found in “The Risks of Fishing Near Cables and Renewable Energy Structures”, published on the KIS-ORCA website https://kis-orca.org/safety/the-risks-of-fishing-near-cables-renewable-energy-structures/. General safety information can be found here: https://www.seafish.org/article/kingfisher-bulletins.

East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm Marine Mammal Monitoring - Passive Acoustic Monitoring Baseline Deployment

• Seiche Limited

• Passive Acoustic Monitoring at the East Anglia Three Offshore Windfarm

• NTM:  PAM-EA3- 003                                                                                   Date of issue: 03 May 2023

Dear Owners, Ships Agents, Masters, Pilots and Fishermen,

Please, be advised that Seiche Limited will deploy 8 Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Stations on the seabed in and at locations around the East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm Area, starting from the 13th of May 2023. The deployment phase is expected to be completed on the 20th of May 2023.

Seiche will utilise the Reykjanes vessel for the deployment.

Reykjanes

Scope: PAM stations deployment

Vessel: Reykjanes

LOA: 40.16 m

Call sign: OVSI2

IMO: 7392311

MMSI: 219329000

Phone: +45 (0) 8213 6973

Mobile: +45 (0) 2614 9844

Once deployed, the PAM stations will remain on the seabed until approximately the 31st of October 2027.  The PAM stations have 12 m height above the seabed, and their location will not be marked by a surface buoy.

All marine traffic is advised to maintain 500 m safety zone around the Reykjanes or any other vessel at these locations during deployment or servicing for their safety.

Locations of the PAM stations in WGS-84 coordinates:

This notification supersedes all previous notifications issued in relation to this activity.

The Moray West Wind Farm Site construction commences with the scour protection installation, which is currently scheduled to commence in June 2023.

The scour protection installation works is the first activity that will be undertaken within the Moray West wind farm site. The scour protection installation is to take place within the wind farm boundry, the works are anticipated to commence no earlier than 1 June 2023, and are forecasted to be completed by 30 September 2023, but the exact duration and completion date will depend on weather and progress of the works.

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) - St Andrews University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) deployments in the Morlais tidal energy demonstration zone.

SMRU has installed equipment (Passive Acoustic Monitoring or PAM) on the seabed to gather acoustic data.

This document provides information on the PAM deployments for the local fishing industry and other sea users in the area.

The floating LiDAR buoy, surface metocean equipment buoys and seabed landers have been deployed at two separate locations. The equipment deployed will gather wind and metocean data which will be used to inform the development of the Project.

The Floating LiDAR  buoy , Metocean Midi Buoy and Metocean Wavescan Buoy are all surface buoys, tethered to the sea bed with single mooring lines. The Seabed Lander is a frame anchored on the seabed, approximately 1.7 m diameter and 0.6 m high. 

The Floating LiDAR buoy, Metocean Midi Buoy and Metocean Wavescan Buoy have light marking characteristics comprising FI (5) Y 20s with a nominal range of 5 nautical miles.

Surface equipment at Site 1 are transmitting their locations via AIS. Site 2 metocean Wavescan buoy is not currently transmitting its position via AIS.

Equipment details and mooring designs of the floating LiDAR buoy, metocean buoys and seabed lander are provided in this notice to mariners.

As a berth holder at the Morlais Demonstration Zone, a site operated by Menter Môn, Magallanes Renovables Ltd. in partnership with Bangor University wish to undertake resource/velocity data collection.

Data collection will utilise Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). 2 x ADCP’s will be placed on the seabed on the 22nd of April 2023. The ADCPs recovery is planned for the 10th of June.

Two ADCPs have been successfully deployed at the following co-ordinates:

Pos 1 (P28) 53 17.632N 004 42.669W

Pos 2 (P32) 53 17.372N 004 42.474W

Activity: Operation of remotely piloted Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) are planned in the Irish Sea during April, May & June. The vessels will be engaged in survey activities associated with the investigation of a site for development of offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea approximately 25nm off the English coast. Up to 2 USV’s will be operational at any one time.

Although the USV is uncrewed, it is managed throughout the 24 hour operation, piloted remotely using 360 degree cameras and other navigational aids. The USV sends real time images and situational awareness data over satellite to a team of operators keeping watch and controlling the vessel remotely 24/7. A support vessel will escort the USV from the active ports to clear water.

Dates: Operations will take place subject to weather and other operational factors from 29th April 2023 for up to 6 weeks.

Notes: Seafarers are asked to avoid contact with the vessel and be aware of the operational area during this period. 

Vessel mobilisation for these works is anticipated to be 06/05/2023. Duration of works is estimated to be 40 days. Please note, this is subject to weather conditions and other downtime. The vessel will deploy equipment and operate at low speeds to conduct the following surveys; · Benthic grab sampling · Drop-down video · Collection and storage of water samples

Offshore subsea cable installation operations at Carradale to Arran are now complete. Pending chart updates mariners should be aware that a new subsea power cable has been installed within the corridor indicated on this notice. Cable burial of varying depth has been undertaken where technically feasible but mariners should be aware that sections of this cable are exposed on the seabed. Mariners should also take note of the bell mouth structure at Carradale where the subsea cable enters a duct to shore.

Vessel Operations All offshore cable installation operations are now complete. Further nearshore works are scheduled at Arran for Summer 2023 and will be advised under separate notices.

Offshore subsea cable installation operations at Mull to Coll are now complete. Pending chart updates mariners should be aware that a new subsea power cable has been installed within the corridor indicated on this notice. Cable burial of varying depth has been undertaken where technically feasible but mariners should be aware that significant sections of this cable are exposed on the seabed.

Vessel Operations All offshore cable installation operations are now complete. Further nearshore works are scheduled for Summer 2023 and will be advised under separate notices.

Mariners are advised that the overwater geophysical surveys to be conducted by Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys Ltd (on behalf of SHEPD) within the Sound of Islay are now complete and all survey vessels have demobilized.

Please be advised that further benthic sampling surveys are due to be undertaken within the existing cable corridor.

The survey will centre on a 1,200m corridor to include the cable route and vessel turning area.

AREA OF OPERATIONS

The survey operations will be conducted within the cable corridor extending +/-50m each side of planned cable centreline. The cable route waypoints are provided in Table 1, at the end of this document, using WGS84 datum.  The section of the route which passes through British EEZ waters, for which this Notice to Mariners is applicable, are highlighted accordingly.

Mariners are advised to provide wide berth (at least 1 km) and navigate with caution in the area.

Fixed fishing gear within the corridor of +/- 1000m from route centreline is required to be removed

SURVEY

The Detailed Marine, Geotechnical and UXO Survey works are being undertaken by the vessel OSV Relume and Ievoli Cobalt and are expected to commence operations within the area on, or around, 27th April 2023. The survey for the entire cable route is anticipated to take approximately 169 days, depending on the weather, of which approximately 27 days will be spent in British EEZ waters.

During the survey works the vessels will be running survey lines and all vessels are requested to remain 1 km clear as the vessel will be towing sensors in the water as part of standard operations.

The vessels will be displaying the relevant RAM lights and shapes during periods of restricted manoeuvrability and adhere to the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and all licencing requirements.

Operations with the OSV Relume and Ievoli Cobalt will be conducted on a 24-hour basis.

SAFETY

It is requested that anybody having prior knowledge of potentially submerged or moored objects on the seabed within the survey area, which could form a hazard to the survey vessel/equipment, please could you contact Next Geosolutions.

During survey operations the vessels will keep a listening watch on VHF channel 16 and will actively transmit an AIS signal. A listening watch will also be maintained on VTS VHF Channels as appropriate. The survey vessels shall broadcast daily, and at shorter intervals as may be required by passing traffic, the vessel position, operational information, and planned operations for the next twenty-four hours.

The Celtic Guardian will be working daylight hours only and shall be travelling daily to site from Hartlepool Dock. The Capall Mara may remain on site for longer periods working 24hr operations as deemed required, but will make passage to and from Hartlepool Dock as required based on operational constraints.

Exclusion zone coordinates for the works are identified above.

Mariners are requested to remain where possible 500m from vessels and equipment. Fishing vessels are requested to pass at a safe speed and distance and remain outside of the exclusion area identified. During these works the Capall Mara will have restricted manoeuvrability as it carries out the works (Excavation & Diving).

Within the working area there may be a temporary reduction in navigable depth up to 2m due to excavated material being placed in spoil heaps.

All vessels can be contacted on VHF 16 for further information as required reference proximity / nearby operations etc and shall be exhibiting the correct day shapes/ lights and flag for vessels engaged in diving operations and restricted in ability to manoeuvre.

The following vessels are due to commence operations at Sofia Offshore Wind Farm (SOWF).

Introduction The Rampion 2 offshore wind farm is a proposed development by RWE Renewables UK Wind Services Limited (RWE) on behalf of Rampion Extension Developments Limited (RED). The offshore element of Rampion 2 would be located within the English Channel, adjacent to Rampion 1, approximately 13km from the Sussex Coast. Rampion 2 would have a generating capacity of up to 1,200MW, with marine cables connecting the Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) to up to three offshore substations and up to four cables from these substations transferring the electricity onshore.

The construction of the Rampion 2 offshore wind farm is proposed to include impact piling for the installation of piled foundations, and there remains concern from SNCBs, regarding the noise produced during piling. In order to ensure an appropriate level of understanding, monitoring of background noise levels is proposed at a single location close to the Kingmere Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).

Overview A fixed monitoring station including a heavy seabed mooring and hydrophone suspended in the water column will be deployed at the monitoring site displayed in Figure 1 of the attached NtM. The monitor will be fully calibrated and configured to record underwater noise levels continuously for a period of up to 20 weeks between circa 1st March and 31st July: this would suitably capture the full range of minimum and maximum background noise over the period, across several full spring/neap tidal cycles and result in a comprehensive dataset for the black bream breeding season.

Please be advised that from the 8th March, Rampion Extension Development will be deploying underwater noise monitoring equipment at the location shown in Figure 1. The equipment will comprise a static hydrophone monitoring system with sub-surface riser and pick-up buoys. The total height of the single line deployment will be 2m above the sea floor.

This notification is intended for circulation to all interested parties undertaking or managing activities in the vicinity of the planned survey works. If you would like further details regarding the surveys please contact Maria Milititsky.

This Notice to Mariners is an initial notification of the intended schedule and utilisation of vessels to perform the abovementioned scope. It should be noted the actual schedule and project execution can be subject to change.

Survey Vessel The monitoring equipment will be deployed and recovered from the vessel Seren Las.

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In the section of cable shown in Figure 1 of the attached NtM, the rock berm installation has been installed to a maximum height of approximately 0.6m above seabed level. In these locations, this represents a reduction in depth at Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) of approximately 5%.

On 22 April 2023, CPT operations were ongoing on the Erebus on the Voe Vanguard vessel. The thermal cone penetration test at re-test location ERE_312_CPTa reached a cone tip depth of 1.76 m below sea floor. The counter mechanism showed a penetration depth of a 2.17 m before it broke, the reason that it broke can be related to the shearing force generated due to the soil resistance. The lost rod above seabed is approximately 0.89 m, total length of lost rods is about 2.65 m. The seabed frame is not equipped with camera, so the Voe Vanguard is not able to confirm visually the actual length of stickup, nor are there any other means onboard to inspect the site and confirm actual length of the rod above the seafloor. A site clearance assessment was completed to calculate protruding rod above the seabed.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

See detailed map on our bulletin website

The works will commence on the 1st of May 2023 in the vicinity of Marske Sands, approximately 750m from shore and will continue until the 30th of July 2023.  The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day. A chart of the nearshore construction area is provided below. A yellow Special Mark buoy will be deployed and the as-laid position will be notified.

The backhoe dredger Abeko Server 3 assisted by the tug Duke of Normandy will transit from Bridlington Bay on or around the 1st  of May to the work site at Redcar.

On arrival the Abeko Server 3 will position at the proposed HDD locations and commence excavation of the seabed to create a pit and trench. She will also carry out spoil management activities along the trench. The Abeko Server 3 will remain on station/site during the night and be manned 24 hours throughout. The Duke of Normandy will remain with the Abeko Server 3 to assist in barge movements/relocation on site and towing to Port as and when required.

The dive support vessel Isle of Jura will mobilise in the Port of Hartlepool approx. 12th June for the diving activities. On arrival to the worksite the Isle of Jura will deploy a five-point mooring spread, to consist of 4 x 2T chain clumps and 1 x 1.5T anchor with ground and riser chains and mooring cans. Each mooring can will be fitted with a yellow marker light, which will display a set flashing sequence. A Pioneer boat (onboard the Isle of Jura) will assist with the connecting and disconnecting of the mooring. The Isle of Jura will remain on station/site during the night and be manned 24 hours throughout.

Diving operations will be carried out from the Isle of Jura, including, exposing the HDD exit points, cutting ducts to length and sealing the HDD duct ends. Diving operations maybe carried out in the hours of darkness. A short safety message will be broadcast on VHF CH16 at start and end of diving operations.

The Crew transfer Vessel CTV Celtic Mara will transfer offshore workers from Hartlepool to the Isle of Jura and Abeko Server 3.

The Seafast Don and or the Pulsar will be carrying out MultiBeam Echo Sounder (MBES) surveys of the seabed and along the pre-cut trench throughout the dredging activities. The survey gear will be positioned on a side mounted pole and extended into the water. Surveys will comprise several passes over the area at a reduced speed. Seafast Don and Pulsar will transit from the Port of Hartlepool to the work site throughout the project.

During operations, the Isle of Jura will be anchored as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message. The Alpha Diving flag and the appropriate lights will be displayed during diving operations.

During operations, the Abeko Server 3 will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message.

It is requested that all vessels maintain a minimum of 500m separation distance from the Isle of Jura and Abeko Server 3 and pass at reduced speed.

It is further requested that all vessels give the Seafast Don and Pulsar a wide berth and pass at reduced speed when the vessels are engaged in survey activities.

All vessels will monitor VHF CH16 and VHF DSC Ch70 continuously throughout.

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From the 3rd April 2023, for a period of approximately 4 months (subject to weather), geophysical, shallow geotechnical and environmental surveys will be executed within the MarramWind offshore wind farm Export Cable Corridor (ECC) area between landing areas of Scotstown Beach, Lunderton Beach (both North of Peterhead) and Sandford Bay (South of Peterhead), and the offshore windfarm site to be developed within the Marine Scotland Sectoral Marine Plan development plan area; NE7.

The MarramWind ECC survey campaign will comprise of the following:

• Geophysical survey - consisting of a bathymetry survey using multi-beam echo sounding (MBES), hydro-acoustic positioning tracking USBL system, seabed mapping (side scan sonar (SSS), sub-bottom profiling (SBP), and seismic 2DUHR. The purpose of the geophysical survey is to identify the seabed and sub-seabed conditions along the ECC, as well as to collect data on cables, pipelines, unexploded ordinance (UXO) and magnetic anomalies of potential archaeological interest
• Shallow geotechnical survey - a sampling and testing programme along the proposed ECC route to evaluate the nature of the superficial seabed sediments, including the collection of sub-seabed sediment chemistry samples. The survey programme includes vibrocoring and Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPT), to a penetration depth of 6m below seabed.
• Environmental survey - to map the distribution and extent of marine benthic habitats. This will follow a benthic sampling programme, to collect Drop-Down Video (DDV) footage and benthic grab samples for the analysis of benthic fauna, Particle Size Distribution (PSD), and sediment chemistry (including contaminants) in the offshore and nearshore environments.

All locations referred to are outlined in Table 1 and displayed in Figure 1 within the Notice to Mariners (provided as an attachment to this notice). All vessels are requested to maintain a safe distance (750m) from the deployed vessels at all times.

Further details can be found within the attached Notice to Mariners.

The coordinates provided here are the MarramWind ECC Centreline. Kindly note that these are representative of the route & do not reflect all envisaged turns/routing. A separate shapefile will be shared.

During the course of Yell Voe Marine Surveys, an metallic object was lost during survey works. All vessels are advised to stay  clear of the area until it is recovered. SHET will advise when the object has been cleared.

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To provide the required coverage, approximately 15 guard vessels will be used in the period from the 14th April 2023 until the 30th August 2023. Durations at each location will depend on progress of the cable installation, trenching and rock placement operations. Not all the vessels are expected to be used concurrently.

The primary purpose of the guard vessels is to protect exposed cable along the Dogger Bank B Export Cable corridor by monitoring and issuing warnings to marine traffic operating within 6nm of the construction area with a Closest Point of Approach (CPA) < 1.5nm. More specifically, the focus will be on those vessels with potential to be engaging in bottom contact activities such as fishing and anchoring, as these activities pose a risk not only to the exposed cable bundle but also to the vessels themselves.

The guard vessels will be clearly marked and display a highly visible "GUARD" sign on each side. The vessels will operate 24hrs, in all but extreme weather. Exchange of vessels on site will ensure the relevant section of cable is never left unguarded.

In sections where cable protection has been completed, guard vessels will be released and sections will be opened up for fishing or use of other equipment with seabed intervention. This may not necessarily be in a sequential order from shoreside outwards.

During the full Cable lay operation (including period when NKT Victoria has left site to pick up the campaign 2 cable) until the cable has been protected by means of burial or rock placement, the construction working corridor will remain closed for any static fishing, anchoring or use of other equipment with seabed intervention.

The first campaign will start with installation of concrete mattresses at the Langeled pipeline crossing. The mattresses will be installed by NKT Victoria immediately prior to cable installation. A guard vessel will be placed at crossing location as soon as the mattresses have been installed.

Starting from the landfall site, The NKT Victoria will then surface lay the export cable in a seaward direction to approximately KP68.5. After completing the first cable lay, she will leave site to pick up the second cable.

The second campaign will start with installation of concrete mattresses at the SEAL pipeline crossing. The cable laying operation will be initiated by jointing the campaign 1 cable to the cable in campaign 2, followed by cable lay towards Dogger Bank B Wind Farm. The end of the cable will be temporarily wet stored on the seabed until the installation of the offshore platform and later pull-in in 2024.

During operations the NKT Victoria will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message.

It is requested that all vessels maintain a minimum of 1.5Nm separation distance from the Cable laying vessel and pass at reduced speed. Fishing gear or other equipment with seabed intervention should not be deployed when approaching the working corridor.

An Offshore Fisheries Liaison Officer will be onboard NKT Victoria to provide support and coordination to fishing vessels, please see contact details below.

In the period between cable lay and cable burial, or protection by rock placement, the cable will be exposed on the seafloor. During this time the cable is sensitive to any external impact and constitutes a snagging risk for anchoring, fishing gear or other equipment with seabed intervention.

To protect the cable in the 500m working corridor, guard vessels will be deployed along the route (described in a separate NtM). The guard vessels will contact vessels approaching within 1.5Nm.

The offshore survey of the proposed Morgan (North) and Mona (South) Offshore Wind Farm Project array areas will commence on the 11 April 2023.

The Sanco Swift Resolution will carry out a 3D Ultra High Resolution (UHR) survey over areas of the proposed Morgan and Mona offshore wind farms in the Irish sea. The survey will provide infill data to previous surveys in additional information on seabed conditions.  

A streamer array 150 metres long x 130 metres wide will be towed behind the vessel with buoys containing light and radar reflector

An Offshore Fisheries Liaison Officer will onboard the vessel during survey operations.

Contact details for the Fishing Industry Representative and Company Fishing Liaison Offers are provided below.

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The Shetland HVDC link is a critical electricity transmission link and will form part of the electrical transmission grid that is essential to the transport of renewable energy between the locations where it is generated and areas of demand, and the delivery of both Scotland’s and the United Kingdom’s 2030 climate change targets

Fishing gear or other equipment with seabed intervention should not be deployed within the wet stored cable area from KP148.9 to KP156.3. Please see coordinates and chart attached.

Within the area KP148.9 to KP156.3 approx. 700m of the wet stored cable has a shallow burial depth of <40cm and a section of surface laid cable, a submerged buoy is attached to the end of the wet stored cable to aid retrieval of the cable. The wet stored cable will remain in place until completion of installation Campaign 3, expected in July 2023.

The Shetland HVDC link is a critical electricity transmission link and will form part of the electrical transmission grid that is essential to the transport of renewable energy between the locations where it is generated and areas of demand, and the delivery of both Scotland’s and the United Kingdom’s 2030 climate change targets.

Onshore trenching operations have taken place to install two pipe ducts to approximately 25m offshore. Diving works will be completed offshore to assist with cable pull-in and protection of the cable to approximately 150m offshore. Further survey work will be carried out up to 400m from the end of the ducts.  The full extent of the area to be utilised for the mooring of the dive vessel (GREEN ISLE) during the pre and post cable lay works is depicted in the attached chart. 

Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance from ‘Mooring Area’ until the estimated completion date of 01 June 2023.

It should be noted that the GREEN ISLE will utilise Mooring Area 1 for the majority of the time.  This will allow small vessels to pass to the South of Mooring Area 1.  The GREEN ISLE will then relocate to within Mooring Area 2 to complete works further offshore.  During this period, small vessels will be able to pass to the North of Mooring Area 2. 

• Moorings will be installed for the dive vessel GREEN ISLE to anchor when on station. The figure below shows the mooring and anchoring system when the GREEN ISLE is on station for diver support works. There will be times when the mooring system is left in situ without the vessel attached.
• When the mooring is left in situ all anchors will be clearly surface marked with marker buoys over the moorings. The size of the buoys is approx. 1.2m diameter and 1m high. The buoys have lights Fl Y 5s 2M range (a single yellow flash every five seconds with a nominal range of 2 miles). The buoys do not have radar reflector. The vessel will display the Alpha flag during daylight and Red/White/Red lights during the hours of darkness.
• The moorings and anchoring are of a temporary nature. Once the diving works are complete, the mooring and anchors will be fully recovered.

All vessels are required to comply with the COLREGS, especially rules 16 and 18.

See attached NTM document.

The items identified in the Dogger Bank B array construction array have now been removed during a recent clearance campaign. The items identified in the Dogger Bank A array construction area will be addressed during a separate UXO Clearance phase of work. Until this subsequent campaign is performed it is requested that any vessel activities involving interaction with the seabed are kept to a minimum distance of 500m from the UXO items listed herein.

The Geophysical survey over the (NE2) development area will be utilising towed sensors. During the survey the Mainport Geo will be operating at approximately 4 knots with equipment being towed at a distance of up to 300 m astern of the vessel.

The vessel will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and will display the appropriate lights and shapes prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Other vessels are requested to provide a minimum clearance of 500 m from the survey vessel during marine operations, and pass at a safe speed.  A Fisheries Liaison Officer will be onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey.  Regular Securite Messages will be issued on VHF Channel 16 and this Channel will be monitored by the vessel at all times.  The vessel will also transmit regular Automatic Transmission System (AIS) Messages

Please be advised that subsea cable installation operations at Carradale to Arran and Mull to Coll are now complete. This NtM is closed and no exclusion zones apply to the cable route.

Vessel Operations All vessel operations are now complete.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Mona:

The floating LiDAR buoy was redeployed at the Mona (South) location on 27/02/23. The as-laid redeployment location is outlined in Section 2. It should be noted that instrumentation is deployed on the seabed some distance from the surface buoy, so marine users are requested to maintain the safe clearance distances outlined in Section 3. Further details on the mooring design are available in Section 7.

A further visual search for the lost Mona floating LiDAR buoy mooring was conducted at slack low water while the vessel was on location. The mooring was not located. Further options to locate and recover this mooring will now be considered and an update issued in due course.

Morgan:

Metocean instrumentation was recovered from the Morgan (North) location on 28/02/23. This completes the metocean deployment at this location and this equipment will now be demobilised.

The floating LiDAR buoy remains deployed at the Morgan location. Weather did not permit the repair of the AIS during the recent visit to site; this work will be scheduled for the earliest possibility weather and vessel dependent.

As with the Mona floating LiDAR buoy deployment, it should be noted that instrumentation is deployed on the seabed some distance from the surface buoy, so marine users are requested to maintain the safe clearance distances.

Contact details:

• Onshore FLO: phone: +44 (0) 7926418820, email: OWPLFisheries@xodusgroup.com;
• Offshore: T:+441856851966 (office) M: +447795626734 (mobile)   

• Name of vessels carrying out the work and equipment used:Isle of Jura, Green Isle and C-Force
• Two floating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Systems (FLS);
• One Wave Buoy; and
• One Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP).
• Port of operation: Stromness, Scotland

This notice to mariners is to inform that Moray Offshore Windfarm (West) Limited (Moray West) will be carrying boulders and debris relocation works from a vessel at the Moray West Offshore Wind Farm site and Export Cable Corridor.

The Moray West site is located on the Smith Bank in the Outer Moray Firth, approximately 22.5km from the Caithness coastline. The offshore wind farm site covers an area of approximately 225km2.

Gardline Limited will be conducting a geophysical and benthic sampling survey over the area, deploying fixed and towed sensors.  During surveying, the vessel will be operating at approximately 4 knots with equipment being towed approx. 200m astern.  During sampling operations the vessel will be stationary.  The vessel will have restricted manoeuvrability whilst surveying. An indicative export corridor will be surveyed from the site southwards to the 10m contour.

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Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind (a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corio Generation) shall be conducting a 3.5 month offshore geotechnical survey between 1st March and 10th June 2023 using vessel Geoquip Seehorn call sign 5BSW5.  The survey vessel shall be conducting geotechnical boreholes at various locations within the offshore wind farm area (figure and table below defines boundary of the area).  The vessel will typically spend one to two days static at each sample location within the offshore so please allow a safe distance.

Company:                                 Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind

Contractor :                               Geoquip Marine Operations AG

Survey vessel :                         MV Geoquip Seehorn

Survey vessel call sign:             5BSW5

Earliest start date:                     1st March 2023

Latest finish date:                      10th June 2023

Once the nearshore marker buoy is installed during the initial HDD diving works by Isle of Jura, it will stay in position until the Offshore Export Cables (OEC) installation works at nearshore area are fully completed. Forecasted to be completed around 31 December 2023, but the exact duration and the nearshore marker buoys recovery date will depend on overall project progress.

The 20 construction boundary demarcation buoys will remain in location until the windfarm construction activities have been completed and handed over to the Operations and Maintenance teams.

Once the permanent Aids to Navigation (AtoN) have been installed on the WTGs, Trinity House will approve the permanent AtoN and the boundary buoys will be removed.

If anyone finds a buoy that is off station or encounters a buoy location where it is not functioning or is missing, they should report this to the Dogger Bank Duty Marine Coordinator as soon as possible.

Please be advised that from the 09th of July 2022, one Floating LiDAR system is to be deployed to the Celtic sea to record wind and metocean dataPosition and coordinates where the FliDAR buoy will be deployed are provided in the table and charts below. The buoy will be deployed from Padstow harbour. The buoys will be in situ for 12 months (but up to 24 months).

The FLiDAR equipment will undergo regular scheduled maintenance during the operation period estimated to be 4 times a year, further notice to mariners will be issued confirming the dates and maintenance activities.

Following system checks onshore, the buoys will be either towed into position by a small works vessel or be deployed from a vessel through lifting of the buoys from the deck into the water. Key stages of the deployment are listed below:

1. unit delivered by road and assembled ashore;

2. unit, concrete sinker and mooring system loaded onto multipurpose vessel and taken to site;

3. concrete sinker and mooring system deployed from the vessel; and

4. unit deployed from the vessel and then attached to the mooring system.

Floating LiDAR Description

The floating lidar buoy is approximately 5m in length, 3m wide and 4.75m in height, with an anchor (dead man) weighing 2500kg. The system is comprised of the measurement buoy itself and a site-specific single catenary mooring.

Liaison and General Operational Principles

1. The survey contractor will ensure advance notice of the installation works is provided to all marine users and the location of the buoy once installed is provided.
2. Where considered appropriate, a Fisheries Liaison Officer will be used to provide advice during installation of the buoy and during the full deployment period of 12 months. Name: Sophie Farenden         Email:  Sophie.Farenden@brownmay.com          Telephone: +44 (0) 7525 128 344 

Programme

Safety

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Once the nearshore weather buoy is installed during the initial HDD diving works by Isle of Jura, it will stay in position until the Offshore Export Cables (OEC) installation works at nearshore area are fully completed. Forecasted to be completed around 31 December 2023, but the exact duration and the nearshore weather buoy recovery date will depend on overall project progress.

During operations, the VOS Start will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre as defined under COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972) and will display the appropriate day shapes and lights. The vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message. It is requested that all vessels maintain a minimum of 500m separation distance from the Offshore Supply Vessel and pass at reduced speed. Fishing gear or other equipment with seabed intervention should not be deployed when approaching the working area.

Please find attached a chart showing the results of the Greater Gabbard OFTO export cable survey. The chart lists the changes to the exposures on the three export cables, on the inshore section between KP 3 and KP 5 with a free span remaining around KP 4. Between KP 36 and KP 38 there are some exposed sections as the cables enter the site. In addition, although listed as exposures on the chart, there are areas of shallow burial at KP10 and a cable exposure on the interconnector cable within the site.

The exposed/shallow burial areas are shown as the coloured dots on the cable route highlighted in a black box.  Equitix (Greater Gabbard OFTO) have asked that all Fishermen operate with caution when fishing anywhere on the cable route and particularly the areas that are shallow buried around KP10.’

Coordinates of exposed/shallow burial areas are shown on the attached chart.

The OFTO is updating its risk assessments to determine the extent of remedial measures that may be required. Equitix intend to provide an update on remediation after the risk assessment exercise is complete.’

From the 10 September 2022, for a period of 13 months, two Floating LiDAR buoys and one Seawatch Midi metocean buoy with an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) seabed mooring will be deployed within the CampionWind offshore wind farm array to record wind and metocean data.

All locations referred to are outlined in Table 1 and displayed in Figure 1 within the Notice to Mariners (provided as an attachment to this notice). These locations are all within the CampionWind offshore wind farm off the east coast of Scotland.

The Seawatch Midi metocean buoy and the FLiDAR buoys are yellow in colour and will exhibit a navigation light according to IALA standards: five (5) flashes at one (1) Hertz, every twenty (20) seconds (Fl (5) Y 20s). The ranges for the lights on the buoys are 5 nautical miles for both Seawatch Midi and the FLiDAR Buoys. All vessels are requested to maintain a safe distance (400m) from the deployed equipment at all times.

The secondary flidar buoy, SWLB060, see map and coordinates in the Notice to Mariners, has lost its AIS signal. As a result, the buoy is not actively transmitting its location, and is showing its position through lights and radar reflectors.

Further details can be found within the attached Notice to Mariners.

Please be advised that installation of the Havhingsten fibre optic telecommunication Whitley Bay Stub Route has been completed.

The supplier of the Havhingsten cable is Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN). Intertek are the environmental and permitting consultants.

The Whitley Bay Stub Route has been installed between the Beach Man Hole (BMH) and the territorial sea limit but it will not yet be connected to the telecommunication network. This cable is to provide infrastructure for the network to expand relatively easily when demand is required within the next 10 - 15 years.

Due to challenging soil conditions and rocky seabed, there are sections of surface laid cable and areas with shallow burial (less than 0.20m burial depth), coordinates can be found below. No further operations to bury these sections of cable are planned due to the challenging soil conditions. The cable is protected by the armoured cable type and from the BMH up to kilometre point (KP) 0.474 the cable is additionally protected by Articulated Pipe.

Coordinates for the surface laid cable and shallow burial areas are provided in the attached Notice to Mariners.

Post-Lay Inspection & Burial (PLIB) by jetting for the section of surface laid cable close to the territorial sea limit was completed on the 1 November 2022.

FLOATING LIDAR BUOY: The floating LiDAR buoy records meteorological data. It is anchored to the seabed by means of a mooring chain and a ground weight. The buoy has dimensions of 4m x 4m, and when deployed the tallest mast on the buoy sits approx. 4m above the water line (Figure 2). The lantern has a flash sequence Fl (5) Y 20s.

From the 10 September 2022, for a period of 13 months, two Floating LiDAR buoys and one Seawatch Midi metocean buoy with an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) seabed mooring will be deployed within the MarramWind offshore wind farm array to record wind and metocean data.

All locations referred to are outlined in Table 1 and displayed in Figure 1 within the Notice to Mariners (provided as an attachment to this notice). These locations are all within the MarramWind offshore wind farm off the east coast of Scotland.

The Seawatch Midi metocean buoy and the FLiDAR buoys are yellow in colour and will exhibit a navigation light according to IALA standards: five (5) flashes at one (1) Hertz, every twenty (20) seconds (Fl (5) Y 20s). The ranges for the lights on the buoys are 5 nautical miles for both Seawatch Midi and the FLiDAR Buoys. All vessels are requested to maintain a safe distance (400m) from the deployed equipment at all times.

Further details can be found within the attached Notice to Mariners.

Instrumentation was succesfully deployed on 19th October 2022 at the Morven Project site. A total of 2 metocean instrumentation moorings and one FLS mooring were deployed at each of two deployment locations within the Project site (known as Morven North and Morven South).

The metocean moorings comprise of one directional waverider buoy (DWR) which will is visible on the water surface, moored to the seabed through a combination of rope and rubber cords. The second metocean mooring is a subsurface ‘stumpy’ mooring which will not be visible at the water surface but will float approximately 5 m above the seabed. The FLS mooring comprises of a surface visible buoy moored to the seabed through a combination of rope and chain via a single point mooring.

Marine users are requested to maintain the safe clearance distances of 500m.

All equipment will be maintained in position via appropriate mooring systems and will gather metocean data to inform the proposed Project. Details of the surface present devices and relevant aids to navigation are provided in the attached NtM. 

See detailed map on our bulletin website

NnGOWL is developing the NnG Offshore Wind Farm, jointly owned by EDF Renewables and ESB, which is located in the outer Firth of Forth, Scotland. The NnG wind farm area is 15 km east off Fife Ness and 29 km from the East Lothian coastline and covers an area of 105 km2

The wind farm consists of 54 no. wind turbines (WTGs) and 2 no. Offshore Substation Platforms (OSPs), with a total capacity of approximately 45 0MW. Water depths across the offshore wind farm area generally range from 40 to 60 m below LAT. The generated power will be transmitted to the grid via two subsea export cable circuits which will reach landfall at Thorntonloch Beach, East Lothian, Scotland. Specific details and location of activities within the Wind Farm Area and Export Cable Corridor will be provided via subsequent notices as work progresses.

Buoyage

Five special markers are now in position:

Four cardinal buoys are due to be deployed the week commencing 16th March. Planned deployment locations

A steel chain will be connected to each marker buoy, and the chain will be present through the water column, connected to an anchor placed on the seabed.

Mariners are advised that maintenance works on the five acoustic monitoring devices in an around the boundaries of the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm will be undertaken. The Marine Scotland Science vessel Alba na Mara plans to service the 3 monitors outside the site boundary this evening 14th of March. The 2 monitors inside the site boundary will be serviced tomorrow, 15th March. These acoustic monitoring devices collect real-time noise measurements for a period of 36 months. The devices will be inspected and maintained at least every four months.

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