Basslink’s operator informed that cable repair vessel, the Ile de Re, is returning to Geelong after it wrapped up the first of three jointing exercises.

“We are very pleased to report that the first joint has been completed, with 1355m of new cable laid on the seabed,” said Basslink CEO Malcolm Eccles. “The works went well, and we are on track for return to service in June as previously advised”

According to Eccles, the next phase of the operations should be the final major mobilisation, which will include the loading of a 90-tonne reel of high voltage cable, amongst other procedures to equip the vessel.

After the mobilisation, which is expected to take five days, the operator said it plans to return to the fault location, where it should complete the final two joints and lay the remaining cable and bight.

Subsea World News Staff