The Department of Transport has been advised that geotechnical surveys will be undertaken in the Irish Sea off the Wicklow coast to provide site investigation information to facilitate the development of phase two of the Arklow Bank Wind Park project.
It’s anticipated that the survey works will commence by the end of June and be completed by the end of October 2023, subject to operational and weather constraints.
Surveys will be conducted by the jack-up barge OCM 80 Mariner (Callsign OCM 80) and MV Connector (Callsign OYOJ2). The survey activities will include approximately five boreholes and various seabed penetration tests, and the vessels will be operating on a 24-hour basis.
The OCM 80 Mariner is an 18m jack-up barge with a draught reported to be 1.2m and beam of 12m; the barge is positioned by a support tug. The MV Connector vessel is a 90m DP2 multipurpose vessel, with a current draught reported to be 7m and beam of 19m.
As these vessels will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre when surveying, all other vessels are requested to leave a wide berth. Mariners are advised to keep continuous watch on VHF Channel 16 when navigating the area.
A fisheries liaison officer will be available to discuss operations in advance and throughout the duration of the survey campaign.
Coordinates and a map of the survey area as well as contact details can be found in Marine Notice No 37 of 2023, attached below.