Clarksons completes a world-first route for rigs

Transporting rigs is not unusual for Clarksons. Clients value our ability to analyse positions and global availability of assets in this niche market and to offer competitive solutions. One of our most recent deals saw the team deliver a unique and creative solution for the jackup rig Atlantic Amsterdam in the Port of Grenaa. Adrian Goodger, Director of our Towage, Salvage & Transportation team explains the unique requirements surrounding the transportation of the jackup rig Atlantic Amsterdam.

A unique loading solution 

Due to the size of the Atlantic Amsterdam rig, the vessel needed to perform a highly complex and unique operation. This involved an ‘over the stern loading’ where the 133-metre-tall rig is positioned at the rear of the transport ship with one of the three legs hanging over the stern and the other two over each side of the vessel.

A world-first route for rigs

The rig itself was transported using the Northern Sea Route in its entirety, from the Port of Grenaa, Denmark to Qingdao, China - a route never taken before for a single rig transportation. 

The right solution, delivered

Thanks to their understanding of this unique set of circumstances, the Clarksons Towage, Salvage & Transportation team (based in London) and the Offshore Shipbroking team (based in Singapore) were able to source and fix the required tugs and specialist Arctic classed vessel Audax to fulfil the needs of this transportation. The expertise and cross-collaboration between teams and global locations contributed towards the success of the voyage which is due to complete in Qingdao on 12th September, where the rig offloading will take place.