During April 2012 EGS (International) Ltd were contracted to carry out a pre-installation cable route survey between the Orkney Islands and the Scottish north coast at Caithness.
The scope of work involved a geophysical survey of a 70km long 560m wide cable route corridor, a geotechnical survey along the route comprising cone penetration tests (CPTs), and vibrocores, and an environmental survey comprising grab sampling and seabed imagery.
During the survey, MBES data was acquired using the vessel‘s hull mounted Reson 7125 system. In order to reduce the number of separately towed sensors, a combined SSS, SBP and magnetometer solution was used.
Upon completion of the geophysical operations the MV Neptune returned to port to re-configure for geotechnical operations. A total of 35 CPT and 35 vibrocore locations were identified. These were alternatively spaced at approximately 1km interval along the proposed main cable route.
EGSi have chartered the MV Neptune on two projects during Q1 and Q2 of 2012. Throughout both projects, the vessel provided a very reliable and efficient working platform with no down time attributable to the vessel on either project. Having a chartered vessel which is equipped with the latest specification of positioning and multibeam systems, this vastly reduced the installation and calibration times for both projects. Feedback from EGSi personnel on board was always positive, with all members of the vessel‘s crew being very helpful and pro-active. The MV Neptune also delivered a high standard of accommodation and victualing which also greatly enhanced the crews experience on board.
[mappress] Press Release, August 23, 2012