Towed Pipe String Operations Eastern and Central Solent 30 July 2016

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King's Harbour Master Portsmouth

LNTM No 53/16

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN jointly by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth and the Harbour Master, ABP Southampton, that from approximately 2200 BST on Saturday 30 July 2016, weather permitting, a single pipe string will be towed from its moorings in Dibden Bay, out of Southampton Water and through the Central and Eastern Central Solent, enroute to Worthing. The pipe string will then be installed as an element of the Rampion Windfarm.

2. The pipe string has a total length of 450 meters and will be towed from Southampton Water and through the Eastern Solent by 2 tugs, with an accompanying safety craft ‘Willendeavour’ to indicate the tow. An ABP Pilot will be embarked in the lead tug, ‘Joli L’ and the stern tug will be ‘Willchallenge’. Having crossed the main channel south of Dock Head, the tow’s route will be east of ‘the greens’ until clear of Calshot, then via the North Channel, north of Ryde Middle, between the Forts and into the Eastern Solent. The tow will be afforded ‘Clear Channel’ status, if required, whilst enroute through Southampton Water. The Pilot will disembark in the vicinity of The Nab.

3. Throughout the pick-up of the tow and the tow itself, 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). Mariners are advised that, although lit, the pipe string will be low in the water and may be difficult to see. 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. During the operations, mariners may seek further information on progress from Southampton VTS on VHF Ch 12.

5. Cancel this LNTM on 1 August 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.