Major Oil Rig Contract for Harland and Wolff
In a multi-million pound boost to the Northern Ireland economy, Belfast ship builder Harland and Wolff has secured a contract to carry out major work on an oil rig.
Dolphin Drilling Limited has awarded H&W the contract for the drydocking and Renewal/Special Periodic Survey of its Byford Dolphin Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU).
H&W Director of ship and offshore unit repair, James Lappin said that this was a significant project for Harland and Wolff and for Northern Ireland. As well as employment opportunities, the supply chain within Northern Ireland will see significant activity in support of the project, he added.
Around 1,000 contractors will be employed to overhaul the structure for up to 10 weeks and 60 permanent staff are to be recruited, the Belfast firm announced. It is due to arrive later this week.
Graeme Murray, managing director of Dolphin Drilling Limited added: "We are pleased to build upon the relationship with Harland and Wolff following the work completed on the Blackford Dolphin and look forward to delivering the Byford back into service following a successful renewal survey on time and within budget."
The Byford Dolphin offshore drilling unit, which is due to arrive later this week, previously underwent work in the city a decade ago. Several major modifications are planned, including the addition of two new columns and four buoyancy boxes for stability.
Last year, another rig - Blackford Dolphin, owned by the same company - was in the Belfast shipyard for six months. That contract was extended as the need for additional work was identified and carried out at the yard.
Encouraged by strong performances in the offshore oil, gas and renewable energy sectors, the shipyard has begun a recruitment drive that will take its permanent staff levels up by over 60 people.
