Rig Mover

November 24, 2012 1:57 PM

Well I’m a Kiwi, living in London, and as part of a small team I move drilling platforms, not by hand of course, we use boats called AHV’s (Anchor Handling Vessels).
posted by Confess, Fletch (12 comments total)

This is one of the best shots of London I have seen. Simple and amazing.

Overall this is a wonderful read. It's both beautiful and educational. Great post.
posted by nickrussell at 3:02 PM on November 24, 2012

Pretty interesting blog, good that it's not just about rig moves. Rig movers had usually left by the time I got on the rig. Food onboard seems to have improved significantly as well. Friend of mine is involved in the planning of the wells being drilled offshore Israel, the weather certainly is better than the North Sea.
posted by arcticseal at 3:05 PM on November 24, 2012 [1 favorite]

Food onboard seems to have improved significantly as well.

I daresay wages have to. Downturn or not, rig utilisation rates (and day rates) are still at record levels worldwide. Rigzone suggests about 90% for all three types.
posted by Mezentian at 3:09 PM on November 24, 2012

Fascinating blog with great photography - thanks for posting!
posted by leslies at 3:15 PM on November 24, 2012

Neat stuff. It's just one more example of a job I didn't even know existed. Shouldn't it be mandatory to at least hear about a few jobs other than doctor/lawyer/firefighter/welder before one makes important choices early in life? Great photographs; I liked the ones onboard the rigs the best.
posted by Forktine at 4:06 PM on November 24, 2012 [1 favorite]

This man is such a great photographer! I REALLY appreciate this link! Thanks so much for posting!
posted by Galadhwen at 4:11 PM on November 24, 2012

This is a great find; thanks for posting! I was delighted to discover that sometimes he moves icebergs!
posted by Anitanola at 4:16 PM on November 24, 2012 [1 favorite]

Really great find, thanks. This is what a blog should be, damn interesting.
posted by spitbull at 4:24 PM on November 24, 2012

I have mixed emotions about any link called "my equipment".

Great post.
posted by urbanwhaleshark at 4:30 PM on November 24, 2012

Nice one Confess, Fletch. This guy is interesting and takes great shots. The general public knows so little about what happens in the Marine related industries. I have been involved in Marine for 40 years and when I talk to outsiders about it they inevitably say ''oh I never even knew that happened''. Discovery channel has opened it up a bit but it still seems to be edge stuff; a case of over the horizon out of mind.
posted by adamvasco at 4:31 PM on November 24, 2012 [2 favorites]

After getting to talk to some marine salvage guys earlier this month (they were bringing in pumps, sounding NY harbor and then taking care of the approximately hundred shipping containers that ended up in the harbor), I was pretty excited to read about another boat/marine career. This guy is great and the photos are awesome.
posted by sciencegeek at 3:55 AM on November 25, 2012

That iceberg moving must be scary dangerous. I can't imagine rigging a line on or towing one that would flip or roll. Seems like that would be pretty hard to survive.
posted by BlueHorse at 6:46 PM on November 25, 2012