UK authorities are hopeful that they may finally have a weather window to move the Transocean Winner semisubmersible rig.
With just days to go before the heavy transport vessel due to move it is due to come off contract, contingencies are already being assessed, including using another vessel or keeping the rig where it is until after winter.
Transocean's Transocean Winner grounded at Dalmore Bay on the Isle of Lewis, off the Scottish mainland, early on 8 August amid high winds, after parting from the tug Alp Forward that was towing it from Stavanger to Malta. It was later moved to Broad Bay, on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, where it was secured using eight anchors.
After an earlier attempt to move the rig on to the semisubmersible heavy transport vessel Hawk on September 30 was delayed by sea swell, approval has again been given by the Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSREP) Maritime and Salvage Intervention for Transocean to start preparing for a further attempt to load the rig onto the Hawk.
"The weather over the next few days looks favourable and Hugh Shaw, SOSREP says it’s an excellent opportunity to recommence the operation," says a blog by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Work to disconnect the anchors was due to start this morning and by first light tomorrow, the rig should be in position to move towards the Hawk, says the MCA.
"If this current operation is unsuccessful, another heavy lift vessel will have to be brought in, as the Hawk is due to come off contract on Monday (10 October)," says the MCA.
A second heavy lift vessel has been identified but the work to move the rig would have to be suspended pending its arrival at the Isle of Lewis in mid-late October, adds the agency.
SOSREP Hugh Shaw said: "Potential weather windows for the operation are beginning to reduce very rapidly now. Although we are considering alternative loading locations, the success of any loading wherever it takes place is diminishing with the approach of winter.
"With this in mind, I have asked Transocean to look at other contingencies including a plan for maintaining the rig in Broad Bay over the winter if it becomes necessary. We know that the rig can be safely secured there if needed. At the moment though I remain hopeful that this weather window will be sufficient for the operation to take place."
Image from Marine Scotland.
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