SISK - Isle of Man Terminal UXO Investigation

Hughes Subsea was selected by SISK to provide pUXO investigation and identification services of two potential UXO anomalies found during previous survey operations.

It was imperative to the client that the area be certified as free of explosive material so that the construction works could continue. The project occurred on the River Mersey in front of Princes Parade and commenced 27th July, lasting seven days.  

Project Details

Hughes Subsea were contracted to investigate two potential UXO targets, one surface laid and the other buried in the vicinity of the new Isel of Man ferry terminal.  Should positive identification occur disposal options were to be discussed with the client. 

The site was subject to strong tidal currents and could only be dived on during slack water periods. The clients consents permits precluded the use of night time works so all operations had to coincide with day time slack water periods. The works were made more challenging due to the soft fluvial deposits which called for shallow dredge angles to ensure the safety of the diver at all times. The soft nature of the bed and the strong currents provided a challenging situation as dredge pockets were susceptible to infilling during tidal cycles. 

Hughes Subsea mobilized containerized surface supplied diving equipment including pUXO identification and dredging spreads onto the spud leg barge the MTS Vector.

Both targets were inspected and found to be non UXO.

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