Offshore vessel heads for Scapa Flow

An offshore accommodation vessel is currently heading for Scapa Flow, as Orkney attracts a new type of oil industry business.

The sheltered deep waters of Scapa Flow, which has already proven itself as an ideal location for ship to ship oil transfers, has now attracted a new oil industry market, with the imminent arrival of the accommodation vessel Regalia, a dynamic positioning, semi-submersible vessel.

The vessel is fitted with 282 single accommodation cabins, is 95 metres in length and 91 metres wide. Larger vessels associated with the oil and gas industry will be able to use Regalia for down time maintenance and crew changes.

The accommodation vessel is owned by Prosafe, who are the world’s leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels, and currently have a fleet of 12 vessels of this type. The company employ around 800 employees globally.

Jim Tait, manager, vessel management, at Prosafe’s Aberdeen office said: “The team at Orkney Harbour Authority have made great efforts to demonstrate the suitability of Scapa Flow as a safe anchorage for the Regalia. In addition, the local supply chain have also demonstrated capable support and are available to assist in servicing the vessel during its time in Scapa Flow.”

Michael Morrison, business development manager with Orkney Islands Council’s Marine Services, said: “This is a market we have pursued for some time and we are very pleased that Prosafe have selected Scapa Flow as its destination of choice whilst the Regalia awaits orders for its next operation.

“It is hoped that the success of this operation will encourage Prosafe to utilise our harbour facilities again in the future.’’

It is expected that the vessel will arrive in Scapa Flow in the coming days.