More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
The Isle of Sheppey is expected to get its second oil rig tomorrow.
A sister platform of Prospector 1, which is already moored at Sheerness Docks, is due to arrive at around 1pm.
Ran is being towed by three offshore supply ships, the Siem Opal, Siem Garnet and Biscay Sentinel. The Noordstroom is also expected to be part of the tow.
It is a stunning sight to see the rigs pushed and pulled into position by tugs and then jack themselves up on their legs. The arrival of the rig should be visible along the north coast of Sheppey from The Leas at Minster.
Sightseers will get a closer look as it passes Sheerness.
It was earlier thought that Prospector 5 was to join Prospector 1 in August but latest reports suggest it will stay in Harwich.
Prospector 1 was built in 2013 in China and valued at £123 million. It arrived on Saturday, May 16, and has three 547-feet tall legs. Ran was also built in 2013 in Singapore and has 525-feet long legs. It can drill to a depth of 35,000 feet in 400 feet of water.
The rigs are being stored by Peel Ports while their owner Borr Drilling finds new work.
They have their own cranes, engines, a helipad and accommodation for 140 workers. They have been in the North Sea drilling for oil and gas.
