A specialist offshore rig has left Invergordon after being prepared for its next campaign at the Port of Cromarty Firth.
The Well-Safe Defender departed on 11th June, following a period of mobilisation work supported by the port’s facilities and the local supply chain.
Its departure follows that of sister rig the Well-Safe Guardian, which recently left the Cromarty Firth for a 360-day multi-well campaign at a client’s field 150 miles north-east of Aberdeen.
Together, the departures highlight the continuing role of the Cromarty Firth in supporting Scotland’s offshore energy sector, including decommissioning work in the North Sea.
Well-Safe Solutions, which is based in Aberdeen, has used the Port of Cromarty Firth as a base for both rigs ahead of their return to work. During their time in Invergordon, the rigs have created opportunities for local and regional businesses. Well-Safe Solutions delivers a fully integrated, Tier 1 well life cycle service, supporting activities from front-end engineering and design through to drilling, intervention, and decommissioning, including plug and abandonment operations.
The company works in collaboration with operators to safely, efficiently, and responsibly meet their well obligations, supporting the energy transition and the management of late-life assets in the North Sea and beyond.
The Port of Cromarty Firth has a long-established track record in supporting oil and gas, offshore renewables and energy transition activity, with deep-water facilities, laydown space and access to experienced local contractors.
Joanne Allday, Head of Strategy and Business Development at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said, “It is excellent to see the Well-Safe Defender leave the Cromarty Firth for its next campaign, following the recent departure of the Well-Safe Guardian.
“These projects show the important role the Port and experienced local engineering businesses continue to play in supporting complex mobilisation work of this kind.
“When rigs like the Well-Safe Defender and the Well-Safe Guardian are in the Cromarty Firth, they create opportunities for local companies and help sustain the jobs, skills and facilities that are vital to Scotland’s energy sector.”
Louis Middleton, Well-Safe Solutions Rig Manager, said, “During our interim sheltered water stay in the Cromarty Firth, both of the Well-Safe semisubmersibles were able to undertake a wide range of significant scopes. These included the completion of a 5-yearly Special Periodic Survey, alongside extensive maintenance activities and a number of upgrade scopes aimed at enhancing operational capability and reliability.
“This phase provided an opportunity to ensure that both units are well-positioned for future operations. All activities were carried out efficiently and safely, with consistent support and cooperation from the Port Authority throughout the duration of the stay.”