Semco Maritime, local companies to support Noble Innovator rig berthed at Port of Aberdeen

(WO) — Currently berthed at Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour, the 674 ft tall jack-up rig Noble Innovator will see maintenance works being undertaken by Semco Maritime and a host of local supply chain companies prior to its deployment back to the North Sea to undertake decommissioning activity for bp.

Upon the rig’s arrival in Aberdeen for a special periodical survey (SPS), Semco Maritime has been contracted to provide a range of support services, including project management, hull rebranding, quayside support, scaffolding and supply of blue-collar personnel.

The quayside contract has been hailed as a boost to the local economy, where personnel from the surrounding area will be employed, as well as engagement with tooling and industrial suppliers to provide local support for provisions.

Furthermore, personnel will make use of local hotels, restaurants, shops, and other services, for the duration of the contract.

 “Rig services play a major part in the overall Semco Maritime offering, and we have executed many similar projects on a global scale. The chance to complete this project on our doorstep was met with great enthusiasm and we look forward to its successful completion,” Managing Director of Semco Maritime, David Hutchinson said.

Roddy James, Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Aberdeen, said, “This type of vessel and project activity would have previously sailed past the city, often destined for a European port, capable of handling their requirements. With South Harbour, we can attract this type of project which supports local jobs and generates significant spend and investment in the local supply chain.

South Harbour offers 1.5 km of deepwater berths (9 to 15 meters deep) and can accommodate ships up to 300 meters in length. It also has extensive heavy-lift zones (15 tonnes/m2), and 125,000m2 of flexible laydown space with expansive project areas.

There has been very high utilization of berths and operational quayside areas during the phased opening of South Harbour, which kicked off in July 2022, and construction is scheduled to complete in Q2 2023.