Jigsaw
The association with the oil giant BP and Silvers
Boatyard goes back some years.
In 1946, Silvers Boatyard built 'Tarrad' a
52ft all-teak launch with twin Gardiner diesel
engines of 100HP each, giving a speed of 16 knots.
This was a personal gift given to the Sheik of
Kuwait by BP following the signing of the Kuwait
Oil Agreement. The combination of speed and seaworthiness
was a requirement for the build of this yacht.
In 2006, Silvers Marine were approached by
BP to assist them with a new innovative Support
and Rescue System for their North Sea Oil Rigs,
code named 'Jigsaw'. This system uses a combination
of supply boats and helicopters with each supply
boat carrying two ARRCs (Autonomous Rescue and
Recovery Craft). ARRCs can reach speeds of up
to 30 knots in rough seas.
After a period of initial trials and evaluation,
the individual ARRCs (eight in total) required
some improvement and modification work to be
undertaken.
Silvers' location on the Gareloch did not,
in fact, favour us for this Contract as, at that
time, the ARRCS were moored in Leith and Aberdeen.
What was in our favour, however, was our facilities.
At one time, we had four ARRCs undercover and
one outside and a workforce with a 'can do' attitude,
prepared to turn these boats round with a minimum
of delay and an ability to cope with the ever
changing demands of a very innovative and complex
modification brief.
We have been greatly assisted by various local
subcontractors whom we have called upon to assist
us by providing their specialist skills, particularly
in engineering, electronics and soft skin products.
Every ARRC has been individually test lifted
with a dual crane lift using the new lifting
hooks built in Norway and fitted at Silvers,
initially to load test the hooks then to test
them with the addition of over 8 tons of water
bags ballast.
These boats have been built and tested to withstand
the winter storms of the North Sea and to be
available to assist in the rescue and recovery
of oil rig staff. They can provide casualties
with a place of refuge in the harsh North Sea
environment.
Silvers staff, subcontractors and everyone
who has been involved in this project have been
proud to have played their part. They would like
to pass on their best wishes and good luck for
the future to all those who have to man and operate
these ARRCs, also to the entire 'Jigsaw' project.
With thanks
to: AB 2000 Crane Hire, Boat Electrics and Electronics,
RIBS, Reekies Machining, Frank Bevan and Audiocraft.
