UK: “Salt and Science” Enhances Guard Vessel Capabilities

Maritime consultants Marico Marine and vessel operators Jubilee Fishing have joined forces to deliver a unique package to Offshore Renewable Energy developers looking to enhance their guard vessel provision with the additional capability of data collection.

Utilising Marico Marine’s unique Salt and Science approach, guard vessels are fitted with shipping data collection equipment and advanced communication systems, enabling real time collection of vessel traffic survey data from on-board AIS and Radar equipment which is transmitted back to base in real time.

UK-based Marico Marine are currently providing East Anglia Offshore Wind (EAOW) – a 50/50 Joint Venture between Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables – with 24 hour, 7 day a week guard vessel coverage for two meteorological masts, located approximately 50 nautical miles and 80 nautical miles off the East Anglian coast. Throughout a six month operating period (ongoing), the meteorological mast guard vessels have continuously transmitted vessel traffic data, as required by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) consent license, to Marico Marine offices in Southampton where analysis is undertaken to confirm the effect of the masts’ installation on vessel traffic.

Whilst the primary role of the guard vessels is to intervene when vessels pass too closely to the meteorological masts, they have also acted as survey platforms and “chase boats” for the heavy lift vessels installing the offshore monopoles, transitions pieces and top sides; effectively becoming the ”eyes and ears” of the developer on site.

Marico Marine Operations Director Dr Ed Rogers, said “Marico has always been heavily involved in the management of shipping risk for the offshore renewables industry, but this unique approach to guard vessel deployment has enabled EAOW to safely manage the installation of the meteorological masts, whilst fulfilling the license requirements. Utilising the practical skills and dedication of Jubilee Fishing guard vessel crews and incorporating the technical data collection and analysis expertise of Marico Marine, a cost effective and robust service has been delivered to EAOW.”

EAOW Consents Manager, Frank Elsworth, comments: “The Marico Marine guard vessels have been invaluable throughout the installation and commissioning of the met masts, providing a robust service, delivering exactly to our needs”.

Marico Marine, which has offices in the UK and New Zealand, has a proven track record of vessel track analysis in both the offshore and inshore sectors, having been contracted to government agencies, offshore renewable energy developers, port authorities and commercial operators in a wide range of data gathering operations.

[mappress]

Press release, September 9, 2013; Image: Marico Marine UK