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Bibby HydroMap have completed geophysical, geotechnical, benthic and land survey operations along the route from mainland Scotland to the Isle of Lewis, on behalf of SHE Transmission.

Three vessels were used during the survey, the DP1 Bibby Tethra for offshore geophysics, geotechnical sampling and benthic operations, MV Proteus for nearshore geophysics and the RIB Cougar to ensure overlap between the inshore and land survey, the company explained.

Bibby HydroMap project manager Simon Baldwin said:

“Operating between the North-West highlands and the Western Isles always presents a number of challenges for survey operations including highly variable water depths and seabed gradients, the restricted maneuverability associated with working within the stunning sea lochs, and also the general remote nature of the survey location in terms of logistics and support. In spite of all of these testing conditions it was incredibly heartening to be able to carry out the integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-vessel survey safely and within a swift timescale.”

SHE Transmission representative Neil Anderson added:

“SHE Transmission is continuing to progress the development of the Western Isles connection with a view of preparing and submitting a needs case to the industry regulator Ofgem in spring 2017. To progress the projects development, SHE Transmission engaged Bibby Hydromap to undertake a marine survey and gave precise information and knowledge of the environment that will form part of the electrical connection from mainland Scotland to Western Isles.”