Hayleys Energy completes first offloading of semi-submersible oil rig in Sri Lanka

Hayleys Energy Services (HES), the pioneer in oil and gas support services in Sri Lanka, announced that it had successfully completed the offloading of the semi-submersible oil rig – Olinda Star, at the Trincomalee Port Anchorage recently. 

This deep-water rig is capable of drilling at water depths of up to 3,600 feet and has a drilling depth capacity of up to 24,600 feet.

The company was appointed as the exclusive service provider and Sri Lankan representative for the handling of the rig by the Brazilian oil and gas exploration and drilling services company, Queiroz Galvao Oleo Gas S.A.’s (QGOG).

The rig was dry towed from Rio, Brazil, to Trincomalee Anchorage, aboard Dockwise Mighty Servant 1, one of the world’s largest heavy-lift carriers. 

The Trincomalee Port Anchorage was selected for its ideal stable and safe sea conditions for offloading and loading such large oil rigs with the much-needed deep-sea depths, sheltered-calm waters and swing radius. Upon completing the safe and incident-free offloading of the oil rig Olinda Star, the rig was towed from the Trincomalee Port to Kakinda, India. 

QGOG had contracted HES to manage all aspects of this rig offloading project in Sri Lanka, where HES had to coordinate and handle the project in close liaison with the deputy harbour master of the Trincomalee Port and other officials throughout this complex and challenging operation. Speaking about the project, HES Director and Chief Executive Officer Chas Charles said, “Our experts have handled complex rig moves around the world as a 100 percent Sri Lankan company since its inception and it is indeed a noteworthy track record to see yet another safe and smooth rig offload carried out in Sri Lanka adhering to the industry safety standards and delivering timely results.”

The wide end-to-end service range provided by HES as a one-stop-shop included the provision of three tugs and supply vessels owned by Sri Lanka Shipping Company (a subsidiary of Hayleys Advantis Limited), coupled with the supply of bunkers and fenders, vessel provisions, crew transfer boats, unlashing/welding and engineering work, hospitality services, emergency response services and project management for the entire operation in Trincomalee. 

“Our team’s knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas domain, clearly gives us a distinct edge over the rest in Sri Lanka and has today earned a renowned name for carrying out complex integrated oil and gas logistics services and projects with a 24/7 personal commitment to our international clientele. It is indeed a landmark moment for us at HES to successfully conclude yet another incident-free rig offload, meeting the client’s expectations.

We would like to thank QGOG for placing its trust in us and also appreciate the assistance offered by all stakeholders including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Customs, Immigration Department, Sri Lanka Navy and all other regulatory bodies in making this project a success,” said HES General Manager Ricky Barnett.

Meanwhile, Hayleys Advantis Limited Managing Director Ruwan Waidyaratne said, “I would like to commend the HES team on the completion of this monumental rig offloading project. This is yet another testament to the ingenuity and tireless efforts of our teams who continue to take on ever more complex projects and deliver beyond the clients’ expectations time and time again.”