Rapid buoy deployment for Offshore Shellfish Ltd
The Challenge
Offshore Shellfish Ltd, operators of the UK’s largest offshore mussel farms, faced an urgent navigational risk after severe weather caused one of their special mark buoys to break free from its moorings.
The missing buoy left the north-western boundary of the farm unmarked, compromising safe passage for marine traffic moving around the mussel lines and jeopardising compliance with maritime safety requirements. Offshore Shellfish needed a replacement deployed quickly, accurately and with minimal interruption to their ongoing farming operations.
The Approach
MPH responded immediately, mobilising Sea Seeker - one of our rapid-response support vessels - within hours of the callout. Weather conditions paused departure briefly, but our crew remained ready for the earliest safe window.
On site, Sea Seeker transported the new buoy and anchor system to the precise deployment point. Using onboard GPS positioning and the crew’s specialist experience of tidal influences in Lyme Bay, the buoy was placed with exacting accuracy. The team managed anchor placement, final checks and confirmation runs to ensure the buoy reinstated the farm’s navigational boundary correctly and safely.
The approach reflected MPH’s capability to deliver fast mobilisation, reliable marine plant hire and skilled operators familiar with offshore aquaculture environments.
The Outcome
Within five days of the initial request, the buoy was installed and fully operational, restoring the integrity of the navigation system and maintaining safe access around the mussel farm.Offshore Shellfish Ltd remained compliant with marine safety regulations and normal operations continued without disruption. The operation demonstrated MPH’s ability to provide 24/7 reactive support, combining reliable fleet availability with crews who understand the importance of accuracy in offshore marking systems.