News

Foundation Installation Works (Aeolus)

The Aeolus has commenced the Offshore Foundation Transport and Installation works within the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm Array. These works include the transport and installation operations of primary components, namely Monopiles, and secondary components, namely Main Access Platforms, Internal Platforms, Boat Landings and Upper Ladders.

Vessels shall be transiting to / from the Sofia Array and the ports of Blyth & Tyne throughout this period.

The following table highlights foundation installation progress and next 7 day forecast.

The Sofia Offshore Wind Farm Exclusion Zone coordinates, are shown below and included within the relevant NtM.  Mariners are requested to remain outside this Exclusion Zone.

Vessels are requested to pass at a safe speed and distance and fishing vessels are advised to remain outside of the areas identified.

Service Operation Vessels

The Service Operations Vessel (SOV) “Rem Power” & Daughter craft “Rem Transporter” continues to support to the SOWF project throughout the construction of the offshore windfarm.

SOVs shall be transiting to / from the Sofia Array and the port of Blyth / Sunderland throughout this period.

Mariners are requested to remain where possible 500m from vessels. During these works, SOVs will have restricted manoeuvrability and shall also be exhibiting the correct day shapes/ lights and flag for vessels restricted in ability to manoeuvre.

All vessels can be contacted on VHF 16 for further information as required reference proximity / nearby operations etc.

Transmission system operator Elia is building the Princess Elisabeth Island in the Belgian part of the North Sea. This artificial energy island is an extension of the electricity grid in the North Sea. It connects the future wind farms of the Princess Elisabeth Zone with the Belgian coast and creates new connections with neighbouring countries.

The energy island is built centrally in the Princess Elisabeth wind zone, approximately 45 km from the Belgian coast. Construction of the island will take several years. To ensure safety during the works, the Belgian government defined an exclusion zone within which only work vessels are allowed. This zone is marked by 4 cardinal buoys (ELI-N, ELI-E, ELI-S and ELI-W).

Seabed preparatory works took place in spring and summer 2024. Further installation works will proceed from spring 2025. The exclusion area remains in force at all times. 

More information about the Princess Elisabeth Island is available on the Elia website: www.elia.be/projects. 

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.

All instrumentation was deployed by Green Rebel from the Port of Aberdeen to the site in February 2023 via the vessel BB Ocean (IMO 9196503, MMSI 258825000). 

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.

Survey will consist of geophysical data collection from towed sensors operated by Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). Survey continuing through Decemeber when weather allows. Upto 2 vessels will be operational at any one time during this period. The USVs will be operating out of both Eyemouth Harbour.  A crewed Support Vessel will be based in this port at all times to assist the USVs in escorting in out of the harbour and in an emergency. The USVs, although uncrewed, are remotely controled at all times and are equipped with cameras, AIS, radar along with other situational awareness sensors. A closest point of approach of 0.5nm should be maintained with the USV at all times.

The vessel 'Green Isle' will be used for the instillation works. 

The deployed equipment will comprise a seabed frame, equipped with metocean instrumentation, connected via a ground line to a secondary anchor weight and recovery system. This secondary anchor weight will be positioned up to 270 m away from the seabed frame. An accompanying guard buoy complete with lantern and AIS will also be deployed. Due to ground conditions, the mooring design at the D1 location differs from above. Equipment will comprise a subsurface ‘stumpy’ mooring which will not be visible from the water surface. No guard buoy will be deployed at this location. Specific locations are charted within the attached NtM. 

All vessels are requested to maintain a safe distance (500m) from any maintenance vessels at all times. All vessels are requested to maintain a safe distance (400m) from the deployed monitoring equipment as shown in Section 2 at all times (detailed in attached NtM).

The outline of the survey works is as follows: 

• Start: September 2024
• Scheduled servicing: November 2024 – January 2025, weather dependent
• Recovery: March 2025

The works to install a new subsea cable and associated protection and stabilisation measures) have now been completed and these are located within the corridor described below (Figure 1). Updates to nautical charts will be made following completion of as-built surveys.

Mariners are thanked for their cooperation during the execution of the works.

To provide the required coverage, approximately 16 guard vessels will be used in the period from the 19th of March 2024 until the 30th of November 2024. 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 the exposed cable along the Dogger Bank C 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 of equipment with seabed intervention. This may not necessarily be in a sequential order from shoreside outwards.

Positions of equipment can be seen in Figure and Table 1 of attached. 

The USVs will be mobilised from Scarborough or Hartlepool 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 August 2024, continuing until 31st December 2024 when all locations have been surveyed. The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day. A chart of the DBD Array Area and Export Cable Route corridor including 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.

The works will commence on the 05th of July 2023, continuing until approximately Q2 2024.  The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day.  A chart of the DBA construction area boundary coordinates and a table of WTG location coordinates is provided below. A running list of the completed WTG installations and the next locations to be installed is presented in the Weekly Notice of Operations.

During operations, the Voltaire 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. 

During operations, a Statutory Safety zone of 500m radius will be in place around the Voltaire during the installation of WTGs.  The safety zone 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. 

Please be advised that EOLOS has successfully relocated the Bellrock Floating LiDAR System buoy FLIDAR E25 on 24th February 2024. The new coordinates are shown in Table 1 in the attached.

The Bellrock FLIDAR E25 was initially deployed within the Bellorck Offshore Wind Farm site in April 2023, for acquisition of Wind and Metocean Data. A description of the device is presented in Section 2 in the attached.

The works completed on the 24th February 2024, with the Voe Earl vessel, consisted of recovering the Bellrock FLIDAR E25 device from its original location, and redeploying it at the new location (See Table 1 and Figure 1 in the attached).

The Bellrock FLS200 E25 will remain in the Bellrock Offshore Wind Farm site for an approximate period of 24 months (i.e. until April 2025).

Description of works:

• The vessel will be working through daylight hours only.

• Vessel-mounted and towed equipment may be in use for the purposes of geophysical survey of the seabed and subsurface.

• The survey vessel is likely to be steaming a pattern of regular parallel lines, and as such may make sudden unpredictable changes of course, including sudden changes of course onto reciprocal headings.

Mariners are advised to provide the survey vessel with ample clearance, ideally 1000m.

Mariners are advised to exercise caution and follow any additional instructions provided.

The vessel will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 16

The survey office may be contacted via telephone on 01857-595-595

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.

Eolos has deployed two (2) Floating LiDAR Devices offshore Scotland for the acquisition of Wind and Metocean Data for a minimum period of 24 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.

The works will commence on the 17th of April 2024, continuing until approximately Q3 2024. The works will be continuous 24 hours a day. A chart of the DBB construction area and the foundation locations are provided below. A running list of the next locations to be installed and mono-piled locations are 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 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.  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

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Please be advised that A-2-Sea Solutions Ltd (on behalf of SHEPD) are undertaking a marine survey within the cable corridors described below. Surveys will utilise vessel to complete survey operations:

Mintaka I

Operations will have a planned minimum duration of 5 days, weather permitting.

On the 17th of March the department of Business, Energyand industrial Strategy confirmed that BOWL is permitted to enact temporary 500 metre safety zones around all major maintenence works being undertaken on BOWL assets within the windfarm.

Only vessels involved in activities related to major maintenence work are permitted to enter or remain in the safety zones while they are in force.

Fishermen who have static gear deployed within 500 metres from the WTG where major rapairs are planned are requested to provide the coordinates of such deployed gear in DMS.

Mariners are requested to navigate with caution and keep a continued watch on VHF Ch. 16/70 when navigating the area.

Any action taken to rectify the unlit navigation buoy will be communicated via future Notice to Mariners.

The Subsea Viking continues supporting the Inter Array Cable Installation works via Survey, Cable Burial, Rock Bag Installation Works, as required.

Service Operation Vessels

The Service Operations Vessel (SOV) “Rem Power” & Daughter craft “Rem Transporter” continues to support to the SOWF project throughout the construction of the offshore windfarm.

SOVs Acta Orion and Acta Auriga continue to support Inter Array Cable works.

Guard Vessels & Crew Transfer Vessels

The Guard Vessel 'Accord' is expected to commence operations during December 2024.

All vessels can be contacted on VHF 16 for further information as required reference proximity / nearby operations etc.

Vessels shall be transiting to / from the Sofia Array and the ports of Blyth & Sunderland throughout this period.

Mariners are requested to remain where possible 500m from these vessels, as they will have restricted manoeuvrability and shall also be exhibiting the correct day shapes/ lights.

A regular service of Platform Supply Vessels commenced 8th September 2024 providing supplies to the Offshore Converter Platform & JUV Seafox 2 until further notice.  Those nominated vessels are:

• Dina Merkur;
• Dina Scout;
• Dina Supporter;
• Dina Supplier;
• FS Crathes;
• Bos Pool;
• Bos Base

An eight legged jacket with 8 driven pin piles has been installed as a foundation for the OCP followed by the OCP itself.

All vessels will be arriving from non UK Ports throughout.

The Sofia Offshore Wind Farm Boundary Co-ordinates where the works will take place are provided below.  All non-project vessels are requested to remain outside this area.

The As Laid Coordinates of the anchors are also provided below.

Mariners are requested to remain where possible 500m from vessels. During these works, SOVs will have restricted manoeuvrability and shall also be exhibiting the correct day shapes/ lights and flag for vessels engaged in diving operations and restricted in ability to manoeuvre.

Emergency Response & Rescue Vessel

The EERVs Putford Viking, Putford Achates and Putford Ajax are supporting the commissioning phase of the Offshore Converter Platform, providing close standby cover as required during overside works.

Only one of the three nominated vessels will be on location at any one time.

Service Operation Vessels

The Service Operations Vessel (SOV) “Rem Power” & Daughter craft “Rem Transporter” continues to support the SOWF project throughout the construction of the offshore windfarm.

SOVs shall be transiting to / from the Sofia Array and the port of Blyth / Sunderland throughout this period.

Guard Vessels & Crew Transfer Vessel

While in operation, the guard vessel 'Defender' will be present in the field in close proximity for guarding the cable lay vessel (Calypso) and SOV vessels (Acta Orion & Acta Auriga) when active in the operation. 

The Guard Vessel 'Accord' is expected to commence operations during December 2024.

The "Enterprise II” continues with infield and Export Cable Corridor guard vessel duties.

All vessels can be contacted on VHF 16 for further information as required reference proximity / nearby operations etc.

An MBES survey of the HDD trenches out to KP 3 was recently performed. The survey indicates the spoil heaps from 2023 back hoe excavation works have largely naturally dispersed. One spoil heap remains with a maximum height above the seabed of < 0.2 m and vessels are requested to leave a wide berth as identified for the nearshore exclusion boundary (HDD pits out to KP3) until further notice. 

The following table highlights zonal areas where guard vessels are patrolling and guarding the campaign 1 export cable. 

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. All vessels can be contacted on VHF 16 for further information as required reference proximity/nearby operations etc.

Mariners are advised of the following vessels operating at the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm (SOWF).

The table below also provides the position and description of any equipment/asset/item that will remain in place following demobilisation of the Ievoli Ivory.

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

The MJM Enterprise is expected to commence operations at Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm, for work along the export cable route. The Vessel will work approx. 4km from the coast, working inwards towards the shore as far as practicable using a Geolink, which will be hard towed from the frame positioned aft on the vessel. The Geolink will be maintained at a distance of approximately 3 – 4m from the Seabed during the survey period. The Survey essentially requires two tide periods, so the duration of this survey will be potentially 24 Hrs, weather dependant. Please give a 500m clearance to the vessel whilst she is working in this area.

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.

Data collection has been undertaken following the deployment of one Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). The ADCP has been placed on the seabed in the location highlighted under the heading “Location Coordinates ” and has been left for 12 weeks.

ADCP recovery operations will require ~0.5-1 day on site.

Anticipated Timeline

The table below shows the timeline for the recovery operations. Due to weather uncertainties at this time of year, HydroWing have highlighted 1 week windows for recovery to enable flexibility and ability to be reactive to suitable weather/tide windows.

Dates are as follows:

Deployment: 30/08/24

Equipment left subsea: Up to 90 days post deployment

Anticipated recovery date:02/12/24

Equipped on a side-mounted pole extended into the water, the MV Seafast Don will make several passes at reduced speed over the area. The MV Seafast Don will transit to the work site from the Port of Hartlepool periodically throughout the project. During operations, the MV Seafast Don 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 give theMV Seafast Don a wide berth and pass at reduced speed when the vessel is engaged in survey activities. The vessel will monitor VHF CH16 and VHF DSC Ch70 continuously throughout.

Export Cable Post Lay Burial and Seabed Rock Installation

The Grand Canyon 3 will complete post lay burial operations on section 1 (KP0 – KP91.5) and section 3 (KP175 – KP255) of the Dogger Bank C Export Cable in the Dogger Bank C Offshore Windfarm.

The Rolling Stone and the Nordnes will perform seabed rock installation on section 1 (KP0 – KP91.5) and section 3 (KP175 – KP255) of the Dogger Bank C Export Cable in the Dogger Bank C Offshore Windfarm.

During operation, Grand Canyon 3, Rolling Stone and Nordnes 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 vessel will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message.

On behalf of Seagreen Wind Energy Ltd, Seaway 7 will conduct rock placement operations on areas of under-buried or surface laid inter-array cable within the boundary of the Seagreen offshore wind farm. The Fall Pipe vessel Yellowstone is expected to arrive at the Seagreen site on or around the 19 th of October. Operations are expected to be completed within 2 weeks. Vessel details below

Monopile foundation installation works

The Offshore installation vessel, HLV Seaway Strashnov, will install mono-pile foundations in the Dogger Bank B offshore windfarm construction area. The works will commence on the 22nd of April 2024, continuing until approximately Q3 2024. The works will be continuous 24 hours a day.  A running list of the installed foundations and next locations are 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.

The Offshore Installation Vessel Alfa Lift will install Foundation Transition Pieces onto the monopiles, removing the temporary lighting at the same time. During operations, the HLV Seaway Strashnov and the Alfa Lift 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 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 Alfa Lift. The safety zones will be monitored by a guard vessel.

The SOV Wind Evolution will assist with Asset Maintenance works.

During operations, the HLV Seaway Strashnov, Alfa Lift and the Wind Evolution 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 vessels will also transmit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) message.

Dogger Bank B IAC Cable Installation

The Cable Lay Vessel (CLV) Viking Neptun will perform the inter array cable installation works with the commencement around 5th of October 2024. The works will continue over the winter. The vessel will further be assisted by the Walk to Work Vessel Sudri Enabler for the deployment of cable pull in teams. The Grampian Tees will conduct cable termination and testing works following cable lay and pull-in. The Trenching Support vessel (TSV) C-Installer will complete trenching and burial of the installed cables. All works will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

The cable lay vessel will deploy the inter array cable onto the seabed through her dedicated deck spread. The cable will remain exposed on the seabed till trenching works by C-INSTALLER are performed.

During operations, the VIKING NEPTUN, C-INSTALLER, SUDRI ENABLER and GRAMPIAN TEES 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 development of the windfarm is made up of several elements - current ongoing elements include:

Construction Support Activities

The Offshore Construction Support Vessels Edda Boreas, Grampian Derwent, Grampian Tyne IWS Skywalker and IWS Seawalker 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.

Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) Installation

The Jack-up WTG Installation Vessel, Voltaire, will install wind turbine generators (WTG) within the Dogger Bank A construction area. the Voltaire has completed scheduled maintenance and has returned to WTG Installation operations.

The works commenced on the 18th of July 2023, continuing until approximately Q4 2024.  The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day.  A running list of the completed WTG installations and the next locations to be installed is presented in the Installation progress table in the WNoO.

The floating LiDAR buoys deployed at sites 1 and 3 record 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 has a flash sequence Fl (5) Y 20s. Please maintain a 500m exclusion around each buoy.

FAULT HAS BEEN RECTIFIED AND ALL NAV AIDS NOW FULLY FUNCTIONAL - 28.11.2024

Due to a unplanned outage a number of the perimeter NAV aids are currently not functioning. We hope to have this issue resolved within 48 hours, however care should be taken when navigating in this area.

Southern and eastern part of windfarm is affected.

K1, K5, K8, F8

The Jack-Up vessel “ZITON WIND ENERGY” is expected to arrive at Dudgeon wind farm on 02nd December 2024. Four WTG locations are planned for major component changes.

The Jack-Up is expected to be onsite for a minimum 21 days, possible extension may be required subject to weather during the period.  So far as is reasonably practicable, mariners should give the JUV a wide berth.

Vessel Details:

ZITON WIND ENERGY IMO: 9578256 MMSI: 219032199

Perform a Service on the 12 Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Stations that had been deployed on the seabed in and at locations around the East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm 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.’

*COWF-SWLB080 intended to be removed no earlier than the 4th of December 2024*

On the 3rd of June 2023, Fugro deployed two (2) Floating Seawatch LiDAR buoys within the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm site for the acquisition of Wind and Metocean Data. The two buoys are intended to remain in-situ for a minimum period of 24 months.

Mariners are advised to maintain a 500 m clearance from the deployed equipment.  Operations were 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 (V10).

The Sound of Islay tidal turbine will be a single, mid water column in-flow turbine. The turbine will operate at varying depths and across the Turbine Operating Area as defined below. The clearance between the sea surface and the turbine will not reduce below 3.5m at any time. Once operational the turbine will be marked by a virtual AIS AtoN ‘located’ approximately 25m to the east of the turbine, this will be broadcast to vessels as a virtual East Cardinal Mark. There will be no physical markers. 

A power cable will run along the seabed from the turbine to the shore following the route as per 'Cable Route' below. 

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Cable Lay, Plough and Jointing

Campaign 2 of the Cable lay and plough works will take place from KP130 to KP222 (the OCP) for approximately 5 weeks weather depending.

Cable Pull-In

Cable pull-in and support works at the Offshore Converter Platform (KP222) will also take place using the cable lay vessel (CLV) “Leonardo Da Vinci”. This will take place from approximately 15th November for a duration of 15 days (weather depening) from within the wind farm area, at the OCP.

Cable Lay Vessel and Support Guard Vessels & CTV

The Leonardo Da Vinci will be present for the entire scope of works. The Leonardo Da Vinci will transit from Middlesborough support depot or transit directly from Nordernham (Germany) Factory to site. 24hr operations will be undertaken for simultaneous cable lay and burial. The CLV will make passage to and from the support depot as required based on operational constraints. Since the cable will be simultaneously installed and buried with the plough the use of Guard Vessels will be reduced.

The CLV will be supported by 2 guard vessels (Gleaner and Phoenix) that will cover the section where the joint has been deployed (KP 130) and the section with the crossings (KP163.5-165.5). The guard vessels will be onsite 24 hours per day, returning to North Shields based on operational requirements.

The Guard Vessel 'Star of Faith' and Crew Transfer Vessel 'Rix Cheetah' will provide support services as required. Both vessels shall be operating from UK East Coast Ports as required.

Exclusion zone coordinates for the 2024 cable lay and plough, jointing and pull-in works are identified within table above as well as an additional table showing the coordinates of the guard vessel locations supporting Campaign 2.

Please be aware that by virtue of mode of operation and the equipment deployed, the Leonardo da Vinci will at times be Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre as defined under COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972, Rule 3).

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 Leonardo Da Vinci (CLV) will have restricted manoeuvrability as it carries out the cable pull-in and lay works. All vessels can be contacted on VHF 16 for further information as required reference proximity/nearby operations etc.

Vessels will be monitoring channel VHF 16 and shall also be exhibiting the correct day shapes/lights and flag for vessels restricted in ability to manoeuvre.

Export Cable Route Preparation Works

The table below details the coordinates of project infrastructure to remain on the seabed following the Ievoli Cobalt’s completion of works. The mattresses are not expected to reduce navigable depth by over 5%.

Please be advised that Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys Ltd (on behalf of SHEPD) will be undertaking subsea inspections of several cables across the West Highlands and Argyll marine areas.

Given the different conditions and water depths anticipated at each site, a range of vessels will be available for the project. The inspection works will be centred on a 50m cable corridor.

LOCATION DETAILS

Cable location and indicative survey corridors are noted in the attached NtM for information. Equipment calibration operations may take place out with the defined corridor and these areas will be chosen so as not to interfere with fishing / marine traffic activity.

VESSEL DETAILS

The vessels conducting these works will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and will display the appropriate lights and shapes. Other vessels are requested to pass at a safe speed and provide a minimum clearance of 500m (COLREGs Rule 16 & 18) during marine operations. All vessels will monitor VHF Channel 16 throughout survey operations. Mobile contacts for the vessels are listed at the end of this NtM.

7.1T CPT with 2 Beacons attached to the top. A CPT is a geotechnical piece of equipment which allows substrate profiling.  A cable and wire attached to top of CPT but are jubilee clipped together. Both cable and wire are laying together on the seabed (wire is 90m and umbilical cable is 50m). Approximately 90m away from the CPT is the end of the 22mm wire. At the end of the 22mm wire there is a rope (135m) with two orange buoys attached. Buoys are at the surface to mark location. Two UBSL beacons are on the CPT for underwater positioning. CPT Position: Lat 57° 31.95487 N, Long 006°39.70673 W. Position at the end of the 22mm wire: Lat 57° 31.99260 N, Long 006°39.65095 W. Position of marker buoys: Lat 57°32.04543 N, Long 006°39.57214 W. 

Overview 

Mariners are advised that SSE Renewables will be returning to Berwick Bank Wind Farm area to continue Geotechnical survey work. The survey will be within the proposed Berwick Bank Wind Farm site boundary (see Figure 1). Respective co-ordinates are listed in Table 1.   

It should be noted that 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 Sea Gull. The geotechnical survey is due to start on 02 May 2024. The scouting/guard vessel will be the Artemis. 

Survey Duration  

The survey is planned to mobilise on 02 May 2024 lasting approximately 4 months. As a result of weather delays, the planned survey end date will be 31 December 2024. 

Survey Tasks  

The scope of work within the main array area will comprise downhole sampling and cone penetration tests in sand and clay then extended by rotary core drilling in rock to depths up to 50 m below seabed. 

During the campaign, the survey vessel will be deploying underwater equipment to 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.  

The CS Sovereign will be conducting telecoms cable sea trials between November 26th and December 11th, for an anticipated period of 7 days in total, subject to weather and other operational conditions.

Please distribute this information accordingly so that other sea users are aware. The vessel will be limited in manoeuvrability. Other vessels should maintain a distance of at least 1NM from the cable ship during operations. Please contact myself if you have any queries regarding this notification or if you have any information on any underwater activity in this area that is relevant to the proposed operation.

An additional met-ocean buoy will be installed at KP180 along the export cable route at a later date.

The table below provides a summary of each Cardinal and Special Mark Buoy deployed at the SOWF array, including target coordinates in WGS84 Degrees Decimal Minutes and a description of top mark and lantern characteristics. The Demarcation Buoys will be deployed for a period of approximately three years.  

The table below provides a summary of the Met-ocean Buoys deployed at the SOWF Array.

Grand Canyon III will undertake these works during the post-lay burial campaign of the Dogger Bank C export cable route, within section 1 (KP0 – KP91.5) and section 3 (KP175 – KP255), which are covered in a separate NtM (LF700013-ESI-DOG-NOT-0016).

The work will be undertaken between 05 November 2024 until 20 November 2024. Work will be performed within the OSP trenching area and will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

Coordinates of the post-lay burial trenching working areas are provided within Table 1 and a chart of the works presented in Figure 1.

During post-lay burial operations, the construction working corridor will remain closed for any static fishing, anchoring or use of other equipment with seabed intervention. Grand Canyon III will be restricted in its ability to maneuver 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. 

In the period between cable lay operation until the cable has been permanently protected by means of burial or rock placement, the cable may be locally exposed on the seafloor and the construction working corridor will remain closed for any static fishing, anchoring or use of other equipment with seabed intervention. 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 LF700013-ESI-DOG-NOT-0008). The primary purpose of the guard vessels is to protect the exposed cable along the Dogger Bank C 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.

Please be advised that A-2-Sea Solutions Ltd (on behalf of SHEPD) are undertaking a marine geotechnical survey along the two cable routes within Loch Linnhe as detailed below. Surveys will survey vessel ‘Mintaka I’ to complete survey operations:

Offshore operations will be undertaken between 123rd November and 9th December 2024 with a planned total duration of four days works during this period, weather permitting. 

The Loch A’Choire / Loch Linnhe sampling operations will be concentrated within a 200m corridor centred on the two routes defined by the coordinates in the attached NtM.

Survey Description

The survey will involve collection of seabed geotechnical sediment testing utilising CPT and vibrocore equipment. This involves Mintaka holding station at certain points along the route to carry out the testing.

Other vessels should maintain an appropriate and safe distance of 500m when passing Mintaka 1 whilst undertaking operations and should pass at the lowest possible speed to avoid vessel wash effects. The vessel(s) will be working 24-hour operations and will display appropriate day shapes and lights during reduced visibility and night operations. The vessel(s) will also monitor VHF Channels 16 and 12.

The NtM is to advise mariners of the vessel activity within the area. No fishing gear clearance is requested for these works.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

It is requested that mariners avoid activities which are likely to disturb the seabed within a 500m Radius of this location until the exposed export cable has been re-investigated. A further Notice to Mariners will be issued to confirm the course of action we will be taking to rectify this. Please note that the standard safety rules apply when fishing in or near wind farms and associated cables. All mariners are requested to make themselves aware of their obligations for conducting activities over buried and protected cables under International and UK Cable (Sub-sea) Protection Legislation. 

Mariners are reminded to navigate with caution and keep continued watch on VHF Ch. 12 / 16 when navigating the area. The Marine Coordination Centre will be responsible for monitoring and policing the Safety Zone and can be contacted directly for advice. Further information on the risks to fishing adjacent to subsea cables can be found in Weblinks: www.kis-orca.eu https://www.seafish.org/article/kingfisher-bulletin 

Planned deployment within the Salamander Offshore Array Area consists of:

• 2x Fugro Sea-watch LiDAR Buoys (SWLB079 and SWLB086)
• 1x echosounder

Illustrative figures showing the buoy dimensions and general mooring 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 buoys' drifting radius is approximately 240 m from their deployment positions. 

The buoys are fitted with the following navigational safety features:

• Buoys painted yellow in colour;
• Yellow St Andrews Cross;
• Passive radar reflector (Mobri S-4);
• AIS AtoN (with MMSI numbers: 992351428, 992351430); and
• Marine lantern (with flash character Fl (5) Y 20s - 5 yellow flashes every 20 seconds) with a range of 4 nautical miles.

Proposed survey activity:

Explosive Ordance Detonation (EOD) of the confirmed Unexploded Ordance (cUXO) within the Hornsea Project Three export cable route is being undertaken by the 4-Winds in accordance with licence L/2024/00441/1. The EOD works are expected to be completed in March 2025. 

Safety:

All vessels are requested to maintain a safe distance of at least 1km during EOD. During the works, a listening watch will be maintained on VHF Channel 12 and 16 when the survey vessel is within the appropriate port authority area and will actively transmit an AIS signal. A four-hour warning will be transmitted via VHF Channel 16 during detonation. The 4-winds will also broadcast at regular daily intervals the vessel position, operational information and intentions. 

It has been noted by Rampion Offshore Wind Farm (ROW) that a single aid to navigation light on F03 is potentially not functioning. ROW are currently working to rectify this issue. It is advised that sea users practice caution when navigating within the vicinity of this turbine out with daylight hours, and remain at least 50m from the following coordinates: 50°41.430N, 0°19.031°W

Note:

ROW are aware of multiple WTG location identification lights that are currently not functioning and are planning a winter campaign to rectify the issue.

These lights are for signboard illumination only and therefore should not be used for navigational aid.

If sea users identify other outages please report them to David Guy at newhavenfish@gmail.com

RWE Renewables Ltd is deploying the LiDAR buoy to assist in the site investigations in relation to the installation of the offshore WTG’s for the future Five Estuaries windfarm. The buoy is collecting a minimum of 12 months of data, with a full recovery of all equipment at the end of the data collection. The mooring will be via a steel or concrete gravity anchor and a single line rise, not exceeding 9m2 seabed footprint or 20,000 kg. The maximum drift radius is 163m in Extreme conditions. The LiDAR buoy will exhibit navigational lighting as directed by Trinity House and transmit AIS. The GPS Battler shall be conducting operations, and the works are expected to be 1 day for deployment. The work will consist within the boundaries of the offshore wind farm site. We kindly ask that all vessels in the local vicinity are aware the 500m safety zone around operations. This is designed to avoid possible interactions and ensure safety of all vessels. It is requested that anyone having knowledge of any potential objects submerged or moored on the seabed within the survey area that could be damaged or form and hazard to the survey vessels and their equipment advises the Fisheries Liaison of their position and nature to help aid the survey operations. The extents of the boundaries are in the attached NTM.

The Floating LiDAR buoy is tethered to the seabed with a single mooring line. The Floating LiDAR buoy has light marking characteristics comprising FI (5) Y 20s with a nominal range of 5 nautical miles in addition to transmitting its locations via AIS.

The Bommelbas will temporarily remove the Floating LiDAR buoy for servicing. A temporary marker buoy will be deployed in its place whilst maintenance activities are being undertaken. The Floating LiDAR buoy will be redeployed at Site 1 (shown on the figure below) once maintenance activities are completed. A revision of this notice to mariners will be distributed providing confirmation of the redeployment coordinates for the Floating LiDAR buoy.

The Floating LiDAR buoy is tethered to the seabed with a single mooring line. The Floating LiDAR buoy has light marking characteristics comprising FI (5) Y 20s with a nominal range of 5 nautical miles in addition to transmitting its locations via AIS.

The Floating LiDAR buoy was first deployed on April 28th 2023 and is expected to remain deployed and on position until April 28th 2025. A Notice to Mariners will be published in April 2025 providing information on decommissioning of the Floating LiDAR buoy.

The work will commence on 12 November 2024 and continue until 7 January 2025. Work will be performed within the Export Cable (EC) route and will be continuous, 24 hours a day. 

During operation, NORDNES 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 NORDNES and pass at reduced speed. Fishing gear or other equipment with seabed intervention should not be deployed when approaching the working corridor.

Installation of scour protection by fallpipe vessel "Rockpiper" at the WTG and OFCS foundation locations within the offshore wind farm site, preventing removal of sediment around the base of structures once they have been installed.

During the period of scour protection installation works, vessels are advised to navigate with caution and are requested to keep a 500m safety distance from all offshore construction vessels.

Confirmed Unexploded Ordnance within the East Anglia Three CDM boundaries of the offshore windfarm array and export cable route.

Servicing of the equipment is scheduled to take place between the 4th - 7th of November 2024.

Eolos and Partrac will deploy two Floating LiDAR buoys (FLS200 E19 and E41) to conduct post-campaign verification against the NOAH met mast. The measurement period is expected to last approximately one month, concluding once a qualitative and quantitative assessment has been completed and confirmed as compliant with industry standards by an independent third party.

The deployment and subsequent recovery will be dependant on weather window and vessels availability in the area. Hence, the deployment period can be extended for a few weeks.

The geophysical survey comprises MBES, SSS, UHR2D, HR2D, Seabed Grabs/Camera & shallow Geotechnical data acquisition. Operatons are scheduled to commence around 12th November for up to 6 weeks. Towed sensors will be up to 1300m behind the vessel during operations and Vessel maneuverability shall be limited. Contact w.reid@fugro.com or pc@fvr.fugro.com.

Please be advised that the Ocean Researcher will be undertaking a Geophysical and Benthic survey campaign at the proposed Aspen Lease Area, on behalf of Cerulean Winds, with the Ocean Geograph also undertaking a Geophysical and Benthic sampling survey of the Offshore Demand Cable (ODC) Corridor from the landing point, south of Muchalls, to the Aspen Lease Area. The purpose of this Notice to Mariners (NtM) is to outline the working area for the survey vessels at the location, as well as their scopeof work. The survey will utilise 2 vessels: - Ocean Researcher - Ocean Geograp

The works are scheduled to be performed continuously. The campaign is envisaged to commence upcoming week and expected to continue for upcoming winter months. The works will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

The operations consist of offshore accommodation and transfer of personnel to the different offshore foundations in place.

During operations, the NORSIDE SUPPORTER 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 Vessel and pass at reduced speed. Fishing gear or other equipment with seabed intervention should not be deployed when approaching the working corridor.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Please be advised that Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys Ltd (on behalf of SHEPD) will be undertaking subsea inspections of several cables across the Clyde marine areas. 

Given the different conditions and water depths anticipated at each site, a range of vessels will be available for the project.The inspection works will be centred on a 50m cable corridor.

VESSEL DETAILS

The vessels conducting these works will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and will display the appropriate lights and shapes.

Other vessels are requested to pass at a safe speed and provide a minimum clearance of 500m (COLREGs Rule 16 & 18) during marine operations.

All vessels will monitor VHF Channel 16 throughout survey operations. Mobile contacts for the vessels are listed at the end of the attached NtM.

Relocation of Boulders and non Geological Debris in areas of installation in the offshore windfarm site.(WTG IAC OFCS EC) is a critical pre construction activity to reduce significant health and safety risks to the construction phase.Boulders will be moved by designated relocation zones.

Mariners are advised that Partrac, on behalf of The Crown Estate, is planning scheduled servicing of the array of Metocean equipment deployed within three Project Development Areas (PDAs) located off the coast of Wales and Southwest England (Table 1, Figure 1 to Figure 3). The equipment (including three floating LiDAR buoys) was deployed between 09th and 10th May 2024. The equipment will remain deployed for a period of at least 9-months after the servicing is complete.

Partrac plans to conduct service works on the following moorings:

• PDA1, Site 1A: Floating LiDAR
• PDA2, Site 3A Floating LiDAR
• PDA3, Site 4A Floating LiDAR

Work is expected to commence from 3rd November over an estimated period of 2 days, weather permitting, vessel TBD.

East Anglia THREE will be a large offshore wind farm, located 69 km off the Norfolk coast. With a projected capacity of approximately 1400MW, the wind farm shall supply electricity to approximately one million UK homes. Onshore construction for the project started in July 2022. 

By use of multiple specialized offshore vessels,1 Offshore Convertor station (OFCS) & 95 offshore wind turbine generators (WTGs) will be installed within the East Anglia Three site boundary along with the associated inter array and export cables. The generated power will be transmitted via an installed External Cable (EC) from the OFCS to a shore side substation located in Bramford. 

See detailed map on our bulletin website

See detailed map on our bulletin website

See detailed map on our bulletin website

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Post-lay burial operations will be undertaken throughout the full extent of the export cable, except for un-trenchable areas such as existing third-party crossing locations and inline joint location, or where ground conditions are unsuitable for trenching.

The work will mobilize 01 November 2024 until 31 January 2025. Work will be performed within the Export Cable (EC) route and will be continuous, 24 hours a day.

During post-lay burial operations, the construction working corridor will remain closed for any static fishing, anchoring or use of other equipment with seabed intervention. Grand Canyon III will be restricted in its ability to maneuver 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.

In the period between cable lay operation until the cable has been permanently protected by means of burial or rock placement, the cable may be locally exposed on the seafloor and the construction working corridor will remain closed for any static fishing, anchoring or use of other equipment with seabed intervention. 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 LF700013-ESI-DOG-NOT-0008). The primary purpose of the guard vessels is to protect the exposed cable along the Dogger Bank C 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

Mariners are advised of potential floating debris in the vicinity of the Dogger Bank A offshore wind farm array area. Any sightings of floating debris should be reported to the Duty Marine Coordinator.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Activity: Operations of remotely piloted Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) are planned out of Hartlepool commencing early October, continuing until the end of December 2024. The vessels will be engaged in geophysical survey activities associated in the North Sea.

Dates: Operations will take place subject to weather and other operational factors from 14 th October 2024 until the end of December 2024.

Mothership: The USV(s) will be launched from a mothership to conduct survey operations. The USVs will be loaded onto the deck of the mothership, launched for survey operations within the site boundary and recovered back onto the mothership once each mission is complete. While the USV is engaged in survey operations the mothership may transit back to port or standby offshore depending on operational need. The mothership used for this project is the Haltbakk Star (figure 3).

Although the USVs are uncrewed, it is piloted remotely throughout the 24 hour operation, using 360 degree cameras and other navigational aids. Figure 1 below indicates the operational area. The survey area boundary is indicated in Table 1 below also. In addition to the survey area, the mothership will transit from Hartlepool to site.

Fisheries Liaison for this survey will be co-ordinated by Natural Power. All commercial fishery queries, should be directed to Peter Berney or Hollie Maven; Mobile T: 07391402387 / Email: Ossian.FLO@naturalpower.com.

XOCEAN will not be requesting fishing gear clearance at this time. The USVs will operate around all fishing activities. The vessel will be operating towed equipment to gather data on the seabed.

The vessel will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre, and mariners are advised to maintain a safe distance of 500m.

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.

Safety Precautions: The USV is equipped with the following to make it conspicuous to other marine traffic:

â–ª AIS

â–ª VHF

â–ª Navigation Lights & Sound Signal

â–ª Active Radar Reflector

â–ª Superstructure Painted Yellow

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

XOCEAN - Emergency Contact Details:

 USV Supervisor (24/7) +353 1 223 9950 usv.supervisor@xocean.com

Rhiannon Evans (Project Manager) +44 2080 982107 Rhiannon.evans@xocean.com

Oliver Harris (Head of Projects) +44 2080 982108 oliver.harris@xocean.com

Anthony O’Toole (Marine Superintendent) +353 1 223 9957 Anthony.otoole@xocean.com

The work will mobilize 18 October 2024 until 31 December 2024. Work will be performed within the Export Cable (EC) route and will be continuous, 24 hours a day.  During rock placement operations, the construction working corridor will remain closed for any static fishing, anchoring or use of other equipment with seabed intervention. Rollingstone will be restricted in its ability to maneuver 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. In the period between cable lay operation until the cable has been permanently protected by means of burial or rock placement, the cable may be locally exposed on the seafloor and the construction working corridor will remain closed for any static fishing, anchoring or use of other equipment with seabed intervention. 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.

See detailed map on our bulletin website

The works will continue over the winter. The vessel will further be assisted by the Walk to Work Vessel SUDRI ENABLER for the deployment of cable pull in teams. Shortly after the start of the cable installation, the Trenching Support vessel (TSV) C-INSTALLER will be mobilised to site for the burial of the installed cables. All works will be continuous, 24 hours a day. Charts of the DBB array area are provided below.

The cable lay vessel will deploy the inter array cable onto the seabed through her dedicated deck spread. The cable will remain exposed on the seabed till trenching works by C-INSTALLER are performed.

During operations, the VIKING NEPTUN, C-INSTALLER and SUDRI ENABLER 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. 

See detailed map on our bulletin website

Mariners are advised that MarramWind Limited (a 50/50 Joint Venture company between ScottishPower Renewables UK Limited and Shell New Energies Holding Limited) FLiDAR Buoy WS198 will remain mobilised until the 31st December 2024. Service activities on the buoy will be carried out at approximately three-monthly intervals, depending on weather conditions.

Servicing activities will comprise of the following steps:

− Temporary retrieval of the FLiDAR Buoys WS198 for transport to Aberdeen for servicing;

− Collection of FLiDAR Buoy WS198 in Aberdeen for onsite redeployment.

All locations referred to are outlined in a table 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 75 km off the east coast of Scotland.

FLiDAR Buoy WS198 is 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 buoy is 5 nautical miles.

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

Mariners are advised that CampionWind Limited (a 50/50 Joint Venture company between ScottishPower Renewables UK Limited and Shell New Energies Holding Limited) FLiDAR Buoy SWLB060 will remain mobilised until the 31st December 2024. Service activities on the buoy will be carried out at approximately three monthly intervals, depending on weather conditions.

Servicing activities will comprise of the following steps: − Temporary retrieval of the FLiDAR Buoy SWLB060 for transport to Aberdeen for servicing; − Collection of FLiDAR Buoy SWLB060 in Aberdeen for onsite redeployment.

The FLiDAR Buoy will be monitored remotely so that in the event of a mooring failure, a team can be mobilised to carry out recovery and re-deployment activities. The Seawatch FLiDAR Buoy is 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 light on the Buoy is 5 nautical miles.

The FLiDAR Buoys location is outlined below and displayed within the Notice to Mariners (provided as an attachment to this notice). This location is within the CampionWind offshore wind farm array area, off the east coast of Scotland.

CampionWind will not seek to submit an updated AIS licence to support this extended mobilisation as the existing AIS Licence (1280449/3) is valid until September 2027.

Dates of survey to be confirmed.

In the interest of safety, Humber Gateway request that mariners observe the box SAFETY area (figure:1), until such time as the exposed cable is completely buried. The coordinates of this box are

Position A (NW Corner): 053° 39’.680N 000° 14’.584E

Position B (SW Corner): 53° 39’.161N 000° 14’.897E

Position C (SE Corner): 53° 39’.602N 000° 16’.701E

Position D (NE Corner): 53° 40’.106N 000° 16’.372E

See attached figure 1

Humber Gateway will be  monitoring activity within, and close to, this box and Guard Vessel Mimer  will be on station during the period where the cable is exposed located in the immediate vicinity of the cable. Mariners encroaching on this box will be contacted  by the Guard Vessel and reminded of the requests to avoid fishing or transiting through the identified box.

Sea attached Figure 2

Guard Vessel Mimer details:

Length: 24.46m

Beam: 7.1m

Draft: 3.51m

Gross Tonnage: 220

Call Sign: T7ACL

MMSI: 268240900

Vsat bridge: +31 (0) 255 78007

Mobile Phone: +31 (0) 255 787 007

Vessel E- Mail: mimer@dbconnect.nl

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. All mariners are requested to make themselves aware of their obligations for conducting activities over buried and protected cables under International and UK Cable (Subsea) Protection Legislation.

Burial of the cable, by the vessel NORA-B (MMSI - 244170504, Callsign -PDKG) will take place between 11th September 2024 and 30th September 2024. A photograph of the Nora-B is attached to this notice. Nora-B will be additionally supported by the Artemis (MMSI - 241813000 , Callsign-SVDQ3)  during the operations.

The operations will include visual inspections and maintenance at installed WTG foundation locations. During operations, the Edda Boreas 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.