For the fifth year running North Sea Systems was contracted by Briggs Marine to carry out touchdown monitoring using CableFish. The replacement of power cables between the Scottish Isles was becoming a much anticipated annual event. As a result of this long standing relationship the two teams have got to know each other well and have developed an efficient method of operations. Because these cables are often installed in waters with strong tides it is essential that the operations are carried out with precision in terms of both time and space. Delays can be costly, because being caught in strong tidal flows can result in vessel run-offs and ultimately damaged cables.
On this campaign our new electric 4m davit crane made its debut. The additional reach and improved control made launch and recovery quicker and easier. This system also featured the new PTZ touchdown camera. The visibility on these jobs is often excellent so having the ability to look around can be useful for inspecting seabed obstacles and spotting the cable cut mark.
This project involved the installation of 5 cables, starting in the outer Hebrides and finishing in the Shetland Islands. Each cable had its own challenges. One was in shallow water only 6m deep, two of the cables took CableFish down to 70m, and one was both deep and with strong tidal flows of 3knots.
“This was a challenging cable installation campaign, and completing 5 cables in 7 weeks is a great result. Once again CableFish served us well, giving us absolute confidence that the cable was being installed in good order and in the correct location” Andrew Kinninmonth, General Manager, Briggs Marine International.
