A North Port at the heart of Scotland's oil & energy sector has taken delivery of the world's newest jack-up rig, the Prospector 1.
The purpose built port, owned and operated by the Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA), was selected by Prospector Offshore Drilling to take delivery of this new build rig and to undertake final preparations, prior to its mobilisation in the UK North Sea.
CFPA has a worldwide reputation throughout the oil and energy sector, which has to date seen it handle over 650 rigs since its creation in 1973.
Chief Executive of CFPA, Bob Buskie, commented today "It is thanks to our deep sheltered water and strategic proximity to the North Sea that we are able to attract drilling companies like Prospector Offshore."
The jack-up arrived from China on the back of a heavy lift vessel.
Bob adds "The Port's marine expertise and heavy lift experience is an attraction for drilling rig owners and operators. We've performed this specialist operation procedure many times, for example in 2007 the Blue Marlin Dockwise heavy lift vessel delivered the brand new Rowan Gorilla VI into port and in 2008 we took delivery of the Safe Bristolia."
Concluding, Bob said "The Port continues to perform strongly in the oil & energy sector and 2013 has already been an outstanding year. It is exciting not only for the port, but for the region's position as an oil & energy hub, that we are once more welcoming a new rig to the Highlands."
