Transocean Winner ready to be transported on OHT Hawk

Transocean Winner's anchors were disconnected yesterday

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 – The U.K. Marine & Coastguard Agency reported today that final preparations are now underway to move a Transocean semisubmersible drilling rig that grounded of Scotland on August 8 (see earlier story).

As of this morning, local time, the Offshore Heavy Transport SA vessel OHT Hawk, an open deck semi-submersible heavy lift carrier, hads almost completed ballasting and was making final preparations to receive the rig, the Transocean Winner.

A 12 hour operation to disconnect the rig’s anchors has concluded and it was being held on four tugs about half a mile from the Hawk.

“Weather conditions are improving by the hour and if this continues then it is extremely likely that the rig will be floated over the Hawk later this morning or early this afternoon,” said the agency.

Positioning the Transocean Warrior over the Hawk involves towing it across to the heavy lift vessel using guide points before the Hawk deballasts, allowing it to to come up slowly under the Transocean Winner.