Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Ile-De-Re

A break in inclement weather has enabled the cable-laying vessel 'Ile de Re' to head back to Bass Strait, marking a significant step in the ongoing repairs to the compromised Basslink undersea power cable. In April, cable specialists successfully removed the damaged portion of the power cable but faced challenges in returning to the repair site due to adverse weather conditions. After three weeks of waiting, the 'Ile de Re' departed from Geelong on May 19, 2016, with the repair crew eager for favorable weather to connect a new segment of cable to the existing infrastructure. The repair team has estimated that they will require 16 consecutive days of calm weather to complete their work and restore service. Despite the previous weather-induced delays, Basslink remains optimistic, asserting that they can still achieve their target for a return to service by mid-June. The cause of the cable's failure in December continues to be unclear, as Basslink awaits findings from independent experts examining the faulty section.

The cable laying vessel "Ile de Re" has been observed circling in the Bay of Plenty waters over the past few days due to concerns about bio-fouling on its hull. On the evening of December 6, 2015, the ship made a rendezvous with the local vessel "Tranquil Image" operated by Western Work Boats, as authorities addressed bio-security measures mandated by the Minister of Primary Industries. In compliance with strict regulations, the "Ile de Re" has been instructed to remain offshore until it undergoes a thorough cleaning to eliminate any bio-security threats. This hull scraping process is anticipated to last between three to six days. The vessel had recently traveled to Auckland from its base in Nouméa, making its way down the Rangitoto channel without docking before conducting several sweeps across the Hauraki Gulf. Its current position is a regulated holding pattern, reflecting the seriousness of bio-fouling risks. The "Ile de Re" has been engaged in enhancing connectivity in the Pacific, specifically linking Tonga to the Southern Cross Cable, a critical trans-Pacific infrastructure connecting Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. This project, which aims to improve digital communication across Pacific Islands through fiber optic cables, is jointly funded by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and Tonga Communications Corporation.