Hayleys Energy Services completes landmark oil rig offloading project in Trincomalee anchorage

Hayleys Energy Services, 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. (QGOG).

The rig was being dry towed from Rio, Brazil to Trincomalee Anchorage, Sri Lanka 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 Trincomalee Port to Kakinda, India.  

QGOG had contracted Hayleys Energy Services (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 Trincomalee Port and port officials throughout this complex and challenging operation.  

Speaking about the project, Hayleys Energy Services Director and Chief Executive Officer Chas Charles said: “Our experts have handled complex rig moves around the world as a 100% 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 Hayleys Energy Services 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 Ltd.), 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 their trust in us and also appreciate the assistance offered by all stakeholders including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Customs, Department of Immigration, Sri Lanka Navy and all other regulatory bodies in making this project a success,” said Hayleys Energy Services General Manager Ricky Barnett.

Meanwhile Hayleys Advantis Ltd. Managing Director Ruwan Waidyaratne said: “I would like to commend the Hayleys Energy Services 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 clients’ expectations time and time again.”

QGOG, a subsidiary of QGOG Constellation is a market leading provider of oil and gas drilling and FPSO (Floating Production Storage Offloading) services in Brazil, who is considered as one of the ten largest drilling companies globally, based on drilling rigs in operation. QGOG Constellation is equipped with a premium fleet of Oil Rigs with a proven track record and world class QHSE standards. The modern fleet of QGOG includes ultra-deepwater rigs, deepwater rigs, midwater rigs, onshore rigs and FPSOs. 

Hayleys Energy Services is a subsidiary of Hayleys Advantis Ltd., the transportation and logistics arm of Hayleys PLC. Through the wider logistics offering of Hayleys Advantis Ltd., the Group caters to diverse logistics needs of its clientele. The company has provided logistics services for several projects in the oil and gas sector both locally and internationally including supply base management services, seismic and metocean surveys, exploratory drilling, rig repairs and servicing, duty free storage of drill rigs and transportation and loading and unloading of rigs.