Shipwrecks

Overview

Building on the established corridor from Project 1, this analysis evaluates how navigational wreck hazards intersect with the proposed subsea cable route between St. George's, Bermuda and Baccaro Point, Nova Scotia.
The focus is on hazard clustering near landing zones, wreck type composition, and potential operational risks along the nearshore and mid-ocean segments of the corridor.

Results

Wreck Distribution Patterns

• Wreck occurrences are heavily concentrated near both BMH landing zones.

• Bermuda BMH (KP0000) shows the highest hazard density. A cluster is shown ~350 m northwest of the BMH, and another shown ~350 m west of KP0004. 

• Nova Scotia nearshore (KP1100–KP1236) shows multiple moderate-density clusters. One non dangerous wreck is ~1 km west of KP1110. 

• Offshore segments (KP0250–KP1000) remain largely clear, indicating minimal navigational hazard interference.

Wreck Type & Risk Characterization

• Bermuda: High presence of dangerous wrecks and hull remains → higher likelihood of physical obstruction.

• Nova Scotia: Mix of unknown and non-dangerous wrecks → moderate risk, but still relevant for engineering route optimization.

• Mid-Corridor: Sparse, scattered wreck distribution → low risk.

Hotspot Intensity

• KDE heat maps identify three distinct clusters along the Nova Scotia approach, each within ~15 km of the corridor centerline.

• The Bermuda zone exhibits a single high-intensity hotspot, overlapping with KP0000 and the cable’s planned BMH location.

• Mid-corridor shows only background noise, confirming low interference.

Recommendations

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• Bermuda BMH: Conduct detailed site survey (MBES/ROV) to assess seabed clearance and identify specific wreck positions. Consider micro-siting or shifting the landing zone slightly to avoid the densest cluster.

• Nova Scotia Approach: Optimize routing between KP1100–KP1236 to reduce overlap with moderate hazard clusters.

• Offshore Corridor: Maintain existing route alignment — low risk, no further mitigation required.

• Regulatory & Permitting: Coordinate with marine heritage authorities to address wreck zone interactions prior to final route approval.

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Conclusion

This hazard overlap assessment highlights critical wreck-related risks near Bermuda and moderate hazards near Nova Scotia, emphasizing the importance of early-stage geospatial screening in subsea cable planning. Targeted route adjustments near landing zones will substantially reduce conflict potential and improve engineering feasibility, while offshore segments remain low-risk and operationally favorable.