Celtic Interconnector Project Survey Schedule Nears Completion
UK-based Osiris Projects are close to completion of the work of a large scale cable route survey of the proposed 700+MW HVDC Celtic Interconnector Project between the south coast of Ireland and the northwest coast of France. Jointly awarded by EirGrid and RTE, the 2014 programme has included a geophysical survey of the route, with geotechnical and benthic surveys to be conducted during 2015.
Initially a complete geophysical investigation was conducted from beach manhole to beach manhole. In addition to land survey operations, the company mobilised a range of vessels to undertake the work. Osiris Projects’ own shallow drafted inshore vessel MV Proteus and 24 hour coastal vessel MV Chartwell performed the coastal and nearshore aspects of the project, while 80m DPII charter vessel RRS Ernest Shackleton undertook the offshore element of the project.
Among the company’s most significant charters, the RRS Ernest Shackleton is an 80m, DP2 multi-purpose survey vessel accommodating up to 48 survey personnel for duration of excess of 50 days. The vessel is suited to the more exposed offshore sites and can operate comfortably in 2m significant wave height.
Image: RRS Ernest Shackleton.
