On Wednesday 7th October, 2020 the 2012 built Chinese semi-submersible heavy lift vessel HUA HAI LONG loaded with the 2009 built jack up oil rig TOPAZ DRILLER arrived at Malta for discharging operation from Port Gentil, Gabon.
HUA HAI LONG was built in China at China Merchants Heavy Industries at Shenzhen. It’s the third time that we’ve seen the vessel in Malta ( Barge GSP 01 in September 2013) and (semi submersible drilling rig GSF ALEUTIAN KEY in June 2015) in COSCO colours.
Due to weather conditions including strong north westerly wind operation was done on Saturday 10th October at Area 2.
TOPAZ DRILLER was built in Singapore at PPL Shipyard Pte Ltd as BMC 375 rig design and homeported at Panama (PAN Flag). Once HUA HAI LONG was submerged three local tugs – SEASALVOR; SPINOLA and WENZINA started the rig movement by towing the oil rig from the ship towards Grand Harbour.
Around 1000 hrs the towage entered Grand Harbour still with 2 duty pilots aboard and 3 tugs assistance.
TOPAZ DRILLER entered MMH Facilities shortly afterwards.
Watermarked Photos are by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Saturday 24th October ,2020