Thames Estuary - Neuconnect Cable - Black Deep Pre-Lay Works

Mariners are advised that, from approximately 30th June 2025 onwards, contractors instructed by the Neuconnect installation consortium will commence pre-lay works along the intended Neuconnect cable lay route in the Black Deep Channel, starting at approximately Kilometre Point (KP) 56 and running outward.  

 These pre-lay works will be carried out from vessel NAUTILUS (photo below) and consist of cable route inspection & clearance, including a grapnel trawl. These works, or sections of these works, may be undertaken in any order at various positions along the cable route.  

NAUTILUS is expected to deploy gear to the seabed and stream gear astern during her works along the planned cable route. NAUTILUS will display appropriate lights, shapes and signals in accordance with IRPCS.  

Vessels are requested to pass NAUTILUS at a safe distance, having regard to their wash effects and the possible presence of streamed or deployed gear.  

In the interests of navigational safety, vessel movements in the vicinity of these works may be subject to traffic management by London VTS as required.  

The following diagrams illustrate the Neuconnect cable route, the KP number points and a 250m buffer zone either side of the route shaded in yellow.  

These works are expected to be completed no later than 31st August 2025. However, in case of works overrunning beyond this date, this Notice will remain published with its expiry date extended as necessary until these works are completed.  

Further information will be broadcast by London VTS on VHF ch.69.