MMT Starts Offshore Geophysical Survey for AQUIND Interconnector
Ocean News
Image: MMT´s Survey and ROV vessel Franklin
MMT has commenced an offshore geophysical survey for the AQUIND Interconnector project. The works will involve a geophysical survey of the proposed cable corridor between the landfall areas near Portsmouth in England and near Dieppe in France.
MMT will utilize two vessels: M/V Franklin for offshore works and M/V Seabeam for nearshore works. The vessels are equipped with latest state-of-the-art survey technology including multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonars and sub-bottom profilers.
AQUIND, MMT and their representatives maintain ongoing contact with UK and French fisheries, which may be affected by the survey, in order to mitigate any potential impact on their fishing activities.
The survey results will inform AQUIND’s final route selection and support planning applications to the UK and French authorities. AQUIND and its advisors are liaising with relevant consent granting bodies in both countries to ensure that the survey scope complies with applicable standards.
Stefan Eliasson, MMTs CEO, comments on the project: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the AQUIND Interconnector project work and look forward working with the Aquind Team to deliver a successful marine survey campaign along the proposed cable corridor. This shows that MMT can provide our customer with effective, high quality survey solutions meeting their high requirements.”
Kirill Glukhovskoy, AQUIND Managing Director added: “MMT is one of the leading specialists in the marine surveying solutions with extended experience in working in the English Channel. We are looking forward to fruitful cooperation on the AQUIND cable survey in the coming months”
AQUIND Interconnector is a proposed new subsea and underground High Voltage Direct Current power transmission link between the South Coast of England and Normandy in France. With the capacity of 2,000 MW, AQUIND Interconnector will improve security of supply, help foster greater renewable power integration and make the national grids more robust by supplying them with vital ancillary services. The project is fully private and is being developed without any government subsidies.
