Metoc New Power Connection Cable for Rathlin Island, UK

Added: (Wed Mar 01 2006)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Environmental engineers Metoc plc has been appointed by Northern Ireland Electricity (Powerteam) as marine consultants for a proposed submarine power cable connection between Rathlin Island and County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK. Cable length will be between 11 and 17 kms, subject to final route selection by NIE and approval by regulatory bodies.

Church Bay, the proposed connection point on Rathlin Island, lies 10 kms from Ballycastle on the Antrim coast and 26 kms from the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The island has a history of habitation since Mesolithic times (6,000 BC).

Rathlin Island contains Northern Ireland’s only offshore candidate Special Area of Conservation and in addition to the wide diversity of protected habitats and species it is an important bird sanctuary. The route to Rathlin Island is described by Alistair Bird of Metoc as challenging: “There is a rocky shoreline, water depths of up to 145m and some of the strongest tidal currents in the British Isles”.

Metoc’s role as marine consultants was critical in addressing the interface between the environmental sensitivity of the area and the engineering challenges it presents, according to Alistair Bird.

Previous geophysical and metocean surveys provided some suggestions for routing. Following a review of this legacy data and discussions with cable installers, alternative routes were recommended taking into account both changes in the environmental consenting regime and current cable installation resources and technology.

After talks with statutory consultees, an Appropriate Assessment of survey techniques on species and habitats was completed – ensuring that the project programme was not delayed.

Survey management covered all aspects of the operation from drafting the work scope, through tender evaluation to on-board Client Representation – this helped ensure an efficient survey through data quality control & liaison between the marine mammal observer, fishing activities and ferry operations. The survey was completed within both the required time frame and cost budget.

As part of the report submission, technical specifications were supplied for key GIS data deliverables – this provides the data for both route engineering and the consenting process as the project moves forward.

Note to Editor:-

Metoc provides support to the water, energy, marine cable and renewables industry sectors on environmental and related regulatory issues. Services include: research, planning, risk management, contract negotiations, data gathering and site supervision, as well as predictive modelling, and environmental optimisation.

Clients of Metoc include asset owners and operators, their engineering consultants and contractors. The company defines and advises on the specific options and opportunities for senior management and engineers to enable project teams to protect assets and optimise their productive use and performance within the environmental context, whilst achieving full legislative compliance and minimising related risks and costs.

Ends…
For further information:
Natalie Johnson nataliej@metoc.co.uk
Metoc plc, Exchange House, Station Road
Liphook, GU30 7DW Tel: + 44 (0)1428 727800
www.metoc.co.uk

Media information:
Patrick Rea, Rea-TMA Marketing
Tel: +44 (0)20 8870 4976
Patrick.Rea@rea-tma.com www.rea-tma.co.uk