Notice to Mariners

Construction of the Gunfleet Offshore Wind farm is expected to start on 25^th August 2008 and work is expected to take eighteen months to complete.

The work will involve the construction of 48 wind turbines, each supported on a 5m diameter monopole foundation.  The wind turbines will have a height above mean high water springs of 129m from the uppermost blade tip to sea level.  The turbine clearance from the lower blade to sea level is 22 m at MHWS.

Submarine power cables will connect each turbine to the next and then to the shore at Holland on Sea via an offshore sub station.

The installation of the turbines will take place from mid February 2009 onwards.

Construction
The following construction vessels will be working in the area;

Crane barge “SVANEN” on site from 25^th August 2008
Jack up barge "EXCALIBUR" on site from 1^st October 2008
Crane barge “RAMBIZ” on site from November 2008
Cable laying barge “EIDE 28” on site from Autumn 2008
Cable laying barge "OCEAN TEAM INSTALLER" on site from Autumn/Winter 2008

Construction vessels may be in the centre of a mooring pattern and may have anchors and cables extending up to 500 metres from them and divers operating in the area.

Numerous tugs and barges will be transiting to the site from the UK and near continental ports and be found at anchor near to the construction site or mouth of the river Colne.

All construction vessels will display in accordance with International Collision Regulations Rule 27 (b) restricted in ability to manoeuvre lights and shapes.   Construction craft will be maintaining a listening watch on channel 69.

A 500 metre safety zone has been established around the Gunfleet Sands 1 & 2 (From 24/25^th August 2008).