It’s a big job to move an oil rig, and it takes a lot of planning and elbow grease. 10.Facts: Oil rigs are massive machines used to drill deep into the ocean for oil. When it comes time to move an oil rig somewhere new, there are a lot of things to consider.
It is not just about lifting an oil rig and moving it to a new location. There are heaps of stages to follow, and each one needs to be meticulously followed in order for everything to turn out properly. The first is that this whole operation must be planned. Engineers and other specialists must consider the weather, the ocean bottom and how far the rig must be towed. When the plan is in place, the move can be put into effect.
There are a number of ways to transport oil rigs. One of those is to use tugboats that tow the rig to its new location. Another alternative is so-called semisubmersible ships that transport the rig. Parts of the rig are sometimes transported by helicopter. However it’s done, it’s a big job to move an oil rig, and it takes a lot of teamwork and skill.
It takes more than muscle to move an oil rig. There’s a lot of tech in use, too. One critical tool is GPS, which allows the rig to be guided to its new spot. Another tool is sonar, which also maps the ocean floor and ensures it’s safe for the rig. Absent these tools, moving an oil rig would be far more difficult and dangerous.
It can take weeks or even months for an oil rig to make its journey. It’s fraught with challenges for the rig during this period, too, such as rough seas and bad weather. The men on the rig need to be prepared for anything. They have to cooperate to ensure the rig gets safely to its new location.
It’s not an easy task to move an oil rig. The weather is the least of it. The ocean can be fickle and storms can make moving the rig a difficult project. Then there is the floor of the ocean. It can also be risky to roll the rig if the floor isn't stable. And there are dangers in the work of transporting such a massive object. And if something goes wrong, it can be disastrous for the crew and the environment.
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