A DETAILED survey of the Bailiwick seabed started yesterday.
Guernsey Electricity’s submarine survey is designed to gather information that could help potential developers assess whether conditions are suitable for tidal projects.
The availability of this data is likely to make the Bailiwick more attractive to developers, who would otherwise have to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds carrying out a similar survey themselves.
Project head Sally-Ann David (pictured), GE’s engineering services manager, said the physical requirements for the seabed could differ depending on the type of technology being used.
‘But whatever system you have, you are going to need to secure it to the seabed somehow in an area where there is a fast-flowing tidal stream. What this survey will do is provide the critical data engineers will need to assess whether locations we believe offer the right tidal conditions are going to be suitable for a particular technology.’
The survey will last for about six weeks and will provide the most detailed picture of the seabed and tidal characteristics ever commissioned, covering an area of 100 square kilometres and including locations in the Little Russel, the Big Russel, off the south coast of Guernsey and around Sark.
The survey vessel is equipped with the latest hydrographic mapping systems.
It will record data on the water depth and physical characteristics of the seabed, including its shape, formation and type of rock and any sand above. It will also measure the tidal speed.
Article posted on 16th September, 2008 - 2.29pm
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