Leask Marine Limited
Scottish knowhow for pre-cable works
Leask Marine’s C-Force vessel carried out more than 80 kilometres of pre-lay grapnel run (PLGR) to ensure the seabed was completely clear of obstructions before Inch Cape’s cable-laying operations. The PLGR route was pre-programmed into the vessel’s survey and navigation systems to enable precise execution.
Scottish-based international marine contractor, Leask Marine deployed one of its grapnel trains comprising a flatfish grapnel, rennie grapnel, gifford grapnel, and a spearpoint grapnel, specially made by the fabrication team, to ensure the required depth was achieved first run.
The train was integrated with a transponder USBL tracking system within a Stingray Acoustic Tow Line Positioning Grapnel. Operations were supported by Leask Marine’s crew transfer vessel, the C-Spartan. The first PLGR was carried out in 2025 with a second to follow in 2026.
Outcomes
The successful delivery of more than 80 kilometres of pre-lay grapnel runs by MV C-Force not only ensured the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm cable route was clear of seabed obstructions but also generated significant outcomes for Leask Marine and the wider supply chain.
The project served as a gateway for future PLGR involvement in large-scale offshore wind projects across the UK and internationally. The fabrication team’s design and deployment of a bespoke spearpoint grapnel provided valuable innovation and practical learning, strengthening Leask Marine’s in-house expertise.
In addition, the project offered opportunities for workforce training in advanced survey and navigation systems, enhancing local capability in specialist offshore operations and contributing to Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions.
Leask Marine’s MV C-Force is proud to support Enshore and the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm by managing and executing the important pre-lay grapnel runs ahead of the installation of the project’s two 85-kilometre export cables.
September 2025
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