It might look like an oil platform, but this oddly-shaped vessel moored off Stert Island, near Burnham-On-Sea, is actually carrying out borehole drilling work.
The vessel, called Excalibur, is a huge specialised jack-up platform accompanied by a supporting tug boat, called DMS World, which is operating in the Hinkley Point area for the next eight weeks.
The barge is a mammoth 60 metres in length with an orange and black hull, and it also has self-contained modules and a crane on deck. It is also fitted with eight legs, as pictured above.
The work is being undertaken by a contractor on behalf of Hinkley Point’s owner, EDF, ahead of possible expansion work.
Harbour Master Chris Spencer told Burnham-On-Sea.com that the barge will be operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The platform is not self propelled and will be supported by the tug for manoeuvring, so mariners are requested to keep well clear,” he added.
Our photo shows the huge vessel, as seen from Burnham seafront this week
