Semco rig deal 'promising start' following Invergordon investment
WORK by specialist crews has started on three oil rig projects in the Cromarty Firth as a result of a new Invergordon upgrade centre winning its first orders.
The awarding of the first solid contracts is seen as a “promising start” for the newly-established Semco Maritime rig yard facility at the deepwater port.
Earlier this year Danish project and offshore engineering company Semco Maritime entered into a strategic partnership with the Port of Cromarty Firth to establish a centre for rig upgrades at Invergordon.
In the course of the next few months, Semco Maritime Rig Projects at Invergordon will complete various scopes of work on two Prospector Drilling jack-up rigs and the semisubmersible rig Songa Dee.
Prospector Drilling has chosen Semco Maritime to complete final installations at Prospector 5, a new state-of-the-art jack-up drilling rig.
The Prospector 5 project will see follow-up installation of client- supplied equipment for the rig’s first assignment. Minor installation work will also be carried out on another Prospector Drilling rig, Prospector 1.
Another project will involve various electrical, structural, mechanical and pipework scopes over the next 60 days on the Norwegian-operated semisubmersible rig Songa Dee.
The 112 by 80 metres wide rig is now moored at the Invergordon facilities deepwater quay Queens Dock.
Frank Hall, general manager Semco Maritime UK, said: “Songa Dee is a good example of the type of large rigs that Semco Maritime is able to handle at the deepwater facilities at Invergordon.
“The three orders bode well for our ambition to be the preferred leading provider of rig upgrades in the North Sea region.”
The Semco Maritime crew of approximately 60 rig upgrade specialists has commenced work on all three rigs.
Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth said: “We are pleased to support Semco Maritime’s activities in Invergordon. The Port of Cromarty Firth is transforming, expanding and investing in facilities at Invergordon, particularly within logistics and agency services as well as new warehousing facilities, office buildings and expansion of laydown and storage areas.”
For more than 40 years, the Invergordon area has delivered engineering work and support for the North Sea’s energy sector. With its strategically important location and its position as Scotland’s deepest harbour, the port has handled more than 650 rigs throughout the years.
