Thames Estuary - Black Deep - Neuconnect Cable Lay Operations

Mariners are advised that, from approximately 12th July 2025 onwards, contractors instructed by the Neuconnect installation consortium will commence cable laying works along the intended Neuconnect cable lay route in the Black Deep Channel, starting at approximately Kilometre Point (KP) 56 and running outward.

These works will be carried out by vessel LEONARDO DA VINCI (IMO 9857315; photo below) and consist of cable installation by simultaneous lay and burial. LEONARDO DA VINCI will be operating in DP2 and will be connected to the cable as it is laid.  

LEONARDO DA VINCI will display appropriate lights, shapes and signals in accordance with IRPCS. Small craft, such as workboats, may be in attendance to support these operations in proximity to LEONARDO DA VINCI.  

Vessels are requested to pass LEONARDO DA VINCI, and any associated vessels, at a safe distance, having regard to their wash effects and the nature of the cable lay operations.  

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.