Farmar helped jackup rig safely into Hanøytangen

Text: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

As the rig approached the west coast of Norway, the most delicate phase of the operation remained – guiding it under full control along the final stretch to the Semco Maritime yard.

Two of Farmar’s tugboats took part. Farmar Ares connected to the rig in Fedjeosen and acted as escort tug into the fjord, while Farmar Athos assisted during the final docking manoeuvre at the yard.

THE RIG, owned by Noble Corporation, had been towed from Denmark. However, for the final leg, a total of four tugboats and one anchor handling vessel were involved.

"Our two tugboats had just completed a job at Stord, so this assignment fitted perfectly", says managing director of Farmar, John W. Nilsen.

HE EMPHASISES that such operations demand precise coordination between vessels and high accuracy right up until the rig is safely alongside.

"Several vessels must work in unison, and everything has to be spot on. It is satisfying to contribute to bringing the rig safely to the yard", Nilsen says.

Semco Maritime operates a large industrial and shipyard facility at Hanøytangen, including a dry dock, workshops and a deep-water quay.

This makes the site an important hub for major maritime and offshore operations, but also places strict demands on execution when large structures are brought in.