Geophysical survey starts along Eastern Green Link 2 route

The Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL 2) project’s marine survey activities have resumed, now starting a detailed geophysical survey to identify potential unexploded ordnance.

The EGL 2 marine survey is being conducted by GeoXYZ using the survey vessel Geo Ocean III and the support vessel GV Resolution. No intrusive work nor unexploded ordnance investigation or detonation is planned, according to a Notice to Mariners. The vessel will tow equipment close to the seabed and have restricted maneuverability.

The marine survey activities for EGL 2 recommenced on 5 April 2024, starting offshore in English waters, and are currently working south towards Bridlington. 

It is proposed that the survey activities will then return offshore in English waters in May before working northwards into Scottish waters along the survey route to Peterhead, Scotland in early June. The survey is due to be completed by the end of June 2024, subject to weather.

The survey works for EGL 2 precedes the installation of an electricity transmission link from Sandford Bay, Peterhead on the East coast of Scotland to the south Bridlington/Flamborough Head on the East coast of England, scheduled for completion in 2029, said Brown & May Marine.

EGL2 is an over 500 km subsea high voltage direct current superhighway that will transport renewable energy from Scotland to England via the North Sea. The $5 billion superhighway is moving forward with the construction works slate to kick off this autumn.  

Once up and running, this electricity superhighway is expected to strengthen energy security and contribute to net zero aspirations, supporting the UK’s 50 GW offshore wind power target by 2030.

EGL2 was given professional regulatory approval by the UK’s energy market regulator Ofgem, back in March 2024. Three subsea players that will collaborate to help Britain meet its net zero aspiration by 2050 are Prysmian, Hitachi Energy, and BAM.