Jack-up drilling rig 'Ensco 107' was recently delivered off Port Taranaki, New Zealand, by the heavy-lift vessel 'Talisman' prior to commencing operations for New Zealand Oil and Gas (NZOG) in the Maari Well Head Platform.
Having sailed from Singapore, the 42,515GRT 'Talisman' completed Customs and MAF clearance at Taranaki before heading to Admiralty Bay at the northern end of the South Island to have the drilling rig removed and floated.
Assisted by the anchor-handling tugs 'Pacific Emerald', 'Pacific Worker', 'Pacific Ranger' and the Port Taranaki tug 'Tuakana', the rig was initially soft-pinned to the platform as correct weather parameters were awaited, advised Port Taranaki chief executive Roy Weaver.
"The swell was against them initially so they went back to Golden Bay to have another attempt on Sunday, March 30," he told Baird Maritime.
"Currently they have been successful and are getting set up to begin drilling. The rig is expected to be working at the Maari Platform for around 12 months."
Mr Weaver added that Port Taranaki is currently hosting six offshore support vessels, with the 'Pacific Emerald' being the largest and most powerful, with a bollard pull of 201 tonnes.
Iain MacIntyre
