Survey operations in the Celtic Sea – from Ireland to France

DTTAS of Ireland – Marine Notice No 55

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport of Ireland issued Marine Notice No. 55 regarding survey operations that will take place in the Celtic Sea, from Ireland to France.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has been advised that Osiris Projects will be carrying out two survey operations along the proposed interconnector route between Ireland and France. The surveys will extend from the Shoreline at two locations in Co. Cork (Ballinwilling Strand main route and Ballycroneen Beach alternative route) across the Celtic Sea to the shoreline at two locations in Northern France (Roscoff main route and Pontusval alternative route) (see map below).

The first survey operation started on the 17th August 2014 and is expected to run until 30th September 2014, weather permitting. Survey works will be undertaken on the survey vessel RRS ERNEST SHACKLETON (Callsign ZDLSI). The vessel will operate on a 24hr basis and will display appropriate day shapes & lights during survey operations and will actively transmit an AIS signal.

RRS ERNEST SHACKLETON will be towing survey equipment below the surface up to 600m behind the vessel. A wide berth is requested at all times as the vessel will be restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.

The second survey operation is expected to start on the Irish side on the 10th September 2014 and is expected to run until 20th September 2014, weather permitting. Survey works will be undertaken on the survey vessel MV PROTEUS (Callsign 2HBL7). The vessel will operate on a 12hr basis and will display appropriate day shapes & lights during survey operations and will actively transmit an AIS signal.

The corridor width for each landing will be 250 metres from the high water mark to the 10 metre contour, then the corridor will widen to 500 metres as the route moves to France. The survey vessel may be found running both along the corridor and in the general vicinity of the survey corridor.

The vessel will be working between high water and 20 metre contour and in daylight hours only.

MV Proteus will be towing survey equipment on and below the water surface up to 300m behind the vessel. A wide berth is requested at all times as the vessel will be restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.

Both vessels will be listening on VHF CH.16 throughout the works.

Source and Image Credit: DTTAS