TOWED PIPE STRING OPERATIONS – EASTERN AND CENTRAL SOLENT - 23 JUNE 2016

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King's Harbour Master Portsmouth

LNTM No 35/16

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN jointly by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth and the Harbour Master, ABP Southampton, that on 23 June 2016, during daylight hours and weather permitting, 2 pipe strings, side by side, will be towed through the Eastern and Central Solent and into Southampton Water. The pipe strings will then be moored inshore of the main navigational channel at Dibden Bay, to await ongoing deployment to the Rampion Windfarm.

2. The pipe strings have a total length of 450 meters and will be towed into the Eastern Solent and Southampton Water by 2 tugs and accompanying craft and will be afforded ‘Clear Channel’ status whilst enroute to Dibden Bay. An ABP Pilot will be embarked in the lead tug, ‘SCHWARTENBEK’. The stern tug will be ‘WILLCHALLENGE’ and at least 2 additional safety craft will join before the tow passes The Forts. Thereafter, the route will be north of Ryde Middle, via the North Channel and into Southampton Water, remaining east of ‘the greens’ until south of Dock Head, when the tow will cross the channel to Dibden Bay.

3. Throughout the tow and during subsequent operations, all involved tugs and accompanying craft will be displaying the lights and shapes as prescribed in the International Rules for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). All vessels are requested to give the towing operation a wide berth and mariners unable to meet this requirement should contact Southampton VTS on VHF Ch 12 to arrange safe passing.

4. Cancel this LNTM on 26 June 2016.


S O Hopper
Queen's Harbour Master

Owners, Agents, Charterers, Marinas, Yacht Clubs and Recreational Sailing Organisations should ensure that the contents of this Notice are made known to the masters or persons in charge of their vessels or craft.