Giant drilling rig makes an impression as it arrives in Dundee

The giant Rowan Stavanger drilling rig arrived yesterday in Dundee, where it may reside for some months.

Its Aberdeen-based owners reported in April that there was no work in the pipeline for the platform when it finished its contract in June.

Vice-president of North Sea drilling operations Pete Wilson said the dramatic reduction in oil price, coupled with escalating costs, had led to a slow-down in drilling activity.

The result for Dundee is that the harbour, which regularly welcomes platforms for repairs, could effectively become a holding area for the firm’s rigs.

The Rowan Stavanger will be “warm-stacked” at the eastern wharf meaning it will be maintained and ready to leave if new work is found.

It was guided slowly up the Tay estuary by the towing vessel Havila Neptune.