Orcades Marine recently completed a successful client representative operation for the tow of the Magallanes tidal platform “ATIR” from Scapa Flow, Orkney to Vigo, Spain.
The ATIR is a 1.5MW capacity tidal platform and was first towed to Orkney in September 2018 and successfully deployed to the Falls of Warness site off the east cost of Eday, Orkney in February 2019. The device connected to the grid via EMEC‘s subsea cable and onshore substation in March 2019.
As client representative, Orcades Marine acted as liaison to effectively communicate with the client on any issues found during the tow inspection and to ensure that the tow inspection went smoothly. Orcades Marine was accompanied by a Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS) who checked and verified the following items: (Note: the list is non-exhaustive)
- Main tow rigging followed the prescribed plan,
- Tow equipment were of adequate condition,
- Bollard Pull sufficiency,
- Emergency towing arrangements,
- Quick-release configurations,
- Approved passage plan including highlighting refuge areas along the passage.
- Redundancy of power and navigation systems on the lead tug and escort
