PSW Group, a maintenance and service provider to the Norwegian subsea and drilling industry, has signed an agreement with Wergeland Holding AS to use Europe’s largest dry dock – being built in Norway – for offshore drilling units.
PSW said on Wednesday that the agreement covered all activities related to inspection, repair, and maintenance of drilling rigs, drillships, accommodation, and support rigs and vessels.
The construction of the dock located in Gulen Industrial Harbor, Norway, is already underway with expected completion in 2020.
According to PSW, the dock will be the largest of its kind in Europe with an original length of 200 meters, with an option to be extended by an additional 100 meters, width of over 100 meters, and depth of 25.
It is worth stating that the company has been offering yard services with Wergeland at the existing facility in Gulen for several years.
The new yard, named PSW Yard, will provide full access to rigs and vessels from three sides which could potentially reduce maintenance time.
Oddbjørn Haukøy , CEO of PSW, said: “PSW Yard is an incredibly important step in our strategy for further development of life cycle services to the rig market.
“We want to streamline rig services in a safe and secure way, and believe PSW Yard will be the best alternative for both rig and vessel owners. The design is based on input from our customers, and there is already great interest in the project.”
The dock is designed for fast yard stays and, with a depth of 25 meters and a 20-hour pumping time, it will enable efficient access to critical parts such as thrusters and hulls.