BWE owned Norwegian offshore technology supplier Halvorsen Offshore, has expanded it’s business into rig lay-up, utilizing the current downturn in the offshore rig market. First rig to enter the Halvorsen Offshore site at Angholmen, in Fedafjord on Norway’s south coast, is Dolphin Drilling operated Bredford Dolphin. Halvorsen Offshore now upgrades quay and mooring facilities to fit the 108 meters long, 67 meters wide and up to 40 meters tall semi-submersible vessel.
– We cast new bollards and prepare to receive the rig here at Angholmen. Electricity to the rig will come from our yard, says Frode Olsen, Managing Director of Halvorsen Offshore AS. The platform will be cold stacked here, in waiting of a new contract. Only a minimum of work will be done during the stacking. The business opportunity lies in preparation and modification once the rig is again contracted.
– The rig will still create some activity, because we need both security and fire preparedness, says Olsen. Good conditions in Fedafjord makes Angholmen relevant as a storage site for more rigs.
– It is easily accessible from the North Sea, good depth and calm wind conditions. In addition, we have work force and expertise that enables us to perform upgrades on board the rigs. The yard is also located in an area where we do not disturb neighbors, says Olsen.
– Rig stay and lay-up has the potential to create good business, both for Halvorsen Offshore and local partners, says Production Director Viktor Korneliussen. The location is near the North Sea, has the necessary depth and favorable wind conditions, and Halvorsen Offshore has the competence and capacity to perform upgrades on the rigs. Korneliussen therefore hopes that more rigs will find their way to Angholmen.
