To: Masters of all vessels
Port: Admiralty Bay
Pursuant to section 33F(1)(c)(i) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994,
I, Jake Oliver, Marlborough District Council Harbourmaster, hereby direct as follows:
To ensure that vessels do not inadvertently impede or hamper the safe navigation of the rig Valaris 249 and vessels engaged with towing the rig, and Heavy Lift Vessel Blue Marlin the following exclusion zones will be in effect:
Whilst the rig and tow are underway from the seaward boundary of the Marlborough Harbour Limits to the anchoring positions in Admiralty Bay, a moving exclusion zone of 500m of the rig Valaris 249, any connected towing vessels or safety vessel or any part of the tow line.
Whilst at anchor in Admiralty Bay, a fixed exclusion of 500m centred on the rig Valaris 249.
Whilst the Blue Marlin is underway from the seaward boundary of the Marlborough Harbour Limits to the anchoring positions in Admiralty Bay, a moving exclusion zone of 500m centred on the Blue Marlin.
Whilst the float on operation takes place an exclusion zone of 500m centred on the Blue Marlin.
Once the float on operation is complete and vessels are departing in convoy, a moving exclusion zone of 500m centred on the Blue Marlin, and any vessel within the convoy.
Upon the grounds that:
Such direction is necessary for the purpose of ensuring navigation safety for the rig, vessels involved with the operation and other vessels navigating within the area.
More information can be found by listening on VHF Channels 01/65.
The rig tow operation is expected to arrive on 20 March 2023. The Heavy Lift Vessel is expected to arrive on 30 March 2023.
This direction will be cancelled once all involved vessels have departed from Admiralty Bay.
