Ocean GreatWhite’s arrival hailed golden opportunity

The arrival of the Ocean GreatWhite has been hailed in the Highlands as a positive step in the regeneration of Kishorn.

Gavin Mackay, head of energy industries at development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: “We have been investing alongside Kishorn Port to reinstate the dry dock and bring the site back into use for a range of offshore energy construction and decommissioning purposes.

“This is a very positive signal that the market is ready to use this strategic west coast facility.

“We understand that the rig will go on to drill exploration wells west of Shetland which is a huge opportunity for the Highlands and Islands supply chain that Kishorn Port is capitalising on.”

Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Ian Blackford said: “As the Ocean GreatWhite, the world’s biggest semisubmersible offshore drilling rig, arrived in the Highlands, it signalled a landmark in the story of the regeneration of Kishorn Port.

“It has been a long road to get to this point but it was always in the knowledge that the potential here is huge.

“The imminent servicing work planned is the first step on what I hope will be a prosperous future for Kishorn Port.

“Hopefully decommissioning contracts will follow, which will be very important in making the port a success.”