The Polar King vessel, which was commissioned by Enemalta arrived at its destination at 2.45am this morning, around 16 nautical miles off the coast of Sicily in international waters.

The ship is to conduct a survey to establish the extent of the damage caused to the interconnector cable between Malta and Sicily.

Enemalta said that the survey started immediately and is expected to take around 36 hours and will be conducted with the use of a remote operated vehicle and advanced technology devices. This will identify the seriousness of the damage suffered by the cable of the interconnector.

Enemalta and Nexans engineers are presently on board the vessel to monitor the process being carried out during which they will be able to analyse the footage being taken and transmitted on board the ship.

This process is critical, the company said, since it will provide Enemalta with a clear picture of the damage to the interconnector between Malta and Sicily.

It explained that as soon as this is identified, Enemalta and Nexans, the cable supplier, will determine what is needed to be in a position to commence the repair process in the shortest possible time.

Enemalta concluded by saying that it will be keeping the public updated with the latest developments on this issue.

AIS position source: vessel finder

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