Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys Ltd provided a campaign of dredge support surveys to both UK Dredging and Babcock International Group in readiness for the departure of the UK’s largest ever warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, from Rosyth Docks.
Construction of HMS Queen Elizabeth began in 2009 and the assembly took place in the Firth of Forth at Rosyth Dockyard from nine blocks built in six UK shipyards: BAE Systems Surface Ships in Glasgow, Babcock at Appledore, Babcock at Rosyth, A&P Tyne in Hebburn, BAE at Portsmouth and Cammell Laird at Birkenhead.
The 65,000 ton vessel left Rosyth dockyard and headed into open water through an exit with only 340mm clearance on either side, and only 500mm of water under the keel therefore the requirement for high resolution and extreme accuracy was critical.
Having established a long-term professional relationship with the client, including dredge support surveys in 2014 to assist with the dry dock float-out, Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys Ltd were pleased to be entrusted with this critical role.
High resolution multibeam bathymetric surveys were provided on an on-going basis for works both within the inner basin and outer approach channels.
Utilising an R2Sonic 2024 multibeam system integrated with an Applanix WaveMaster INS navigation system, mobilised onto the vessel Coastal Sensor II, survey support was provided on a round-the-clock, seven day week schedule in order that the timescales for the warship’s departure were maintained.
