Cromarty Firth Port Authority in Invergordon, Scotland, expects increased rig inspection, repair, and maintenance opportunities for local companies in the next two years, with North Sea exploration predicted to rise. Transocean'sSedco 706 is berthed at the Invergordon Service Base, and the Sedco 712 is expected to join it shortly. The same company's Rather rig is on its way back from Africa for an IRM work-out at the base at the end of this month.
Other rigs either berthed or on their way in for overhauls are Prosafe'sSafe Scandinavia and Diamond Offshore's Ocean Nomad, Ocean Princess, and Ocean Guardian. Mærsk's new jackup Inspirer is heading to the base from Korea on a transportation barge. The Glomar Arctic 2, currently moored in Cromarty Firth, may undergo a pre-contract inspection program early in 2005. Noble Drilling has also enquired about berth availability for a work program for one of its rigs.
11/02/04
