Njord Survey to monitor Ireland-UK interconnector

Swedish offshore survey specialist Njord Survey has officially secured a strategic long-term contract to support the Greenlink interconnector, a vital subsea electricity link connecting Ireland and the UK. Spanning from 2026 to 2030, this project involves recurring geophysical and environmental marine surveys along the cable route. Utilizing specialized offshore support vessels, the operation ensures the structural integrity of the subsea infrastructure, reflecting the growing demand for skilled maritime professionals in the offshore renewable energy and subsea cabling sectors.

Operational compliance for these survey missions must strictly adhere to the IMO’s International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), specifically Chapter V regarding safety of navigation and hydrographic services. Furthermore, vessels involved must maintain strict adherence to MARPOL Annex I regarding the prevention of pollution by oil during survey operations. Classification society requirements, such as those set by DNV or Lloyd’s Register for dynamic positioning systems, are critical for maintaining station-keeping accuracy, ensuring that compliance departments meet stringent environmental and safety standards throughout the four-year project duration.

This project significantly impacts navigating officers and deck officers who must manage complex station-keeping and survey grid patterns in high-traffic waters. These officers need to stay updated on specialized survey software and dynamic positioning protocols to ensure precise cable monitoring. Maintaining rigorous logbooks for environmental compliance is essential, as any deviation from the survey route could trigger regulatory scrutiny. Navigating officers must prioritize precise vessel positioning to ensure the long-term safety of the Greenlink subsea infrastructure.