Marine-based site investigation gets underway

The marine-based site investigation, commissioned by Howard Holdings and being undertaken by Fugro Seacore, is underway.  The comprehensive survey work will provide a profile of the seabed as the developer finalises detailed designs for the scheme.

The geophysical survey work was undertaken on Sunday 13th May using marine geophysical equipment from a 20-foot boat.  This process has checked the sea bed for foreign objects and identified the optimum position for the boreholes.

A jack-up rig measuring 12x8 metres will be erected for seven over-water boreholes after approximately one week and will enable samples to be taken from each layer of the sea bed.  This will determine sand and silt levels as well as the depth or bedding of materials down to the Oxford Clay, a Jurassic marine sedimentary rock. 

The practical element of the survey work will complete at the end of May, after which the findings will be assessed and laboratory-analysed.

Tony Hodgson, near-shore manager at Fugro Seacore, said: “Geophysical surveys do not affect normal harbour operations and the drilling work should have minimum impact.  The jack-up rig will be relocated if necessary to a sheltered position over night to protect it and ensure no disruption to ferry operations.

“We are in the process of notifying all mariners about the jack-up barge operation and have liaised closely with the Harbour Master who will be in direct control of Fugro Seacore’s logistics, boat movements and navigation within the harbour area,” he added.

Gary Charman, Regional Director at Howard Holdings, said: “The start of the marine-based site investigation will determine the make-up of the seabed and provide further information for both the design and construction of the scheme.  It is a great step forward and is another important piece of research which will inform our final proposals as part of a planning application in late summer.  We will, of course, share the results of the survey once the work, including analysis, has completed.”