Well-oiled rig ready to ride up the River Derwent

A massive — and slightly famous — drill rig is expected to drop anchor in the River Derwent at the end of this week.

IF you see a massive — and slightly famous — drill rig in the River Derwent at the end of this week, don’t question your eye sight or if Hobart has become a new oil mecca.

The drilling platform will anchor outside the Port of Hobart over the next eight to 12 weeks as local marine business Taylor Brothers expands its operations in the oil and gas sector through another major contract.

The Ocean Monarch, owned by Diamond Offshore, featured in the action movie Armageddon starring Bruce Willis.

It was built in 1974, was upgraded in 2008 and now needs general maintenance and minor repairs.

Taylor Brothers won the contract to perform the work while the rig has a gap in its drilling schedule.

The ultra-deep-sea oil rig Ocean Monarch Ultra will set up home in the River Derwent while it undergoes maintenance.

The rig is about 110 metres long and wide and almost 40m tall.

On board are three cranes weighing a combined 150 tonnes and the structure can house 150 people.

It is expected to arrive in the Derwent on Friday, weather permitting.

The rig will not be undertaking exploratory work or drilling for oil in the river.

Taylor Brothers Marine director Phillip Taylor said the contract would see more workers put on and also give other local businesses a boost.

“We will be seeking the support of several local companies to assist with some services and maintenance tasks and we expect about 50 additional personnel,” Mr Taylor said.

Taylor Brothers Marine directors Greg Taylor, left, and Phillip Taylor. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

It is not the first time the Tasmanian marine company has worked with the oil and gas industry.

In 1985 the company worked on the Ocean Epoch when it was in our waters undertaking exploratory work off the state’s West Coast.

“As our expertise has grown in the industry, so has our reputation and our Hobart-based staff have been sought after to carry out maintenance works around Australia, New Zealand and Singapore,” Mr Taylor said.

[e-mail]