Lerwick Harbour has successfully completed the offloading of a 10,000 tonne subsea oil storage tank, destined for the Solan field, west of Shetland.
The tank was delivered to the port on July 26 from the construction yard in Dubai by Chinese Ocean Shipping’s (Cosco) heavy lift transport vessel, Xiang Yun Kou.
At 47,285 tonnes, this was the biggest displacement tonnage ship to berth at Lerwick.
The port was also used by Heerema’s semi-submersible crane vessel, Thialf, where it mobilised before heading for Solan on July 31, arriving next day to await the tank for installation.
“The successful handling of the Solan tank is another example of Lerwick’s ability to provide sites and support for major offshore projects,” said Calum Grains, Lerwick Port Authority harbour master.
“To accommodate two vessels the size of Xiang Yun Kou and Thialf simultaneously while servicing other oil and gas projects, cruise ships and daily operations is a clear demonstration of Lerwick’s scope.”
The port had undergone a £12million dredging upgrade in 2008, which deepened and widened access, deepened berths and reclaimed land, now under development.
“Our investment in facilities, including a major dredging project a few years ago, is paying off for the oil industry, the port and Shetland,” Grains said.
“We continue to develop resources, with plans including further deep-water facilities.”