Stena Spey begins decommissioning in Turkey following 36-day tow from Port of Cromarty Firth
The Port of Cromarty Firth has confirmed that the SPE (Ex-Stena Spey), an offshore drilling rig, has arrived in Turkey and the regulated decommissioning process is now under way.
Its arrival follows a 36-day tow from Invergordon, coordinated by Rota Shipping with support from local companies. Rig Partner Decom Ltd work closely with Rota Shipping and were responsible for the export licence and obtaining the approval from MCA.
The Spe is the last rig to depart the Port specifically for decommissioning – all other rigs currently in the Cromarty Firth are active and in for repairs, maintenance or between projects.
The rig will be processed at Rota Shipping’s yard, being one of Europe’s most reputable decommissioning facilities, specialising in the dismantling and recycling of complex offshore assets.
Technicians will systematically remove cabling, insulation, electrical systems and other components, assessing each element to maximise reuse and recycling before reducing the structure to the bare steel frame for onward processing.
It is estimated that this programme will take between four and seven months to complete. The project is expected to achieve an overall recycling and recovery rate of approximately 97%.
PoCF General Manager, Calum Slater, said: “Decommissioning is a normal stage in the life cycle of any industrial technology. While there is understandable sentiment attached to assets like the Stena Spey, the reality is that responsible dismantling and high material recovery are what good stewardship looks like.
“Working with experienced, accredited teams ensures the process is safe, transparent and circular, and we’re proud that our support helps partners deliver that standard.”
This is the fourth rig managed through the collaboration between the Port of Cromarty Firth and Rota Shipping– following three former Diamond Offshore units that Rota Shipping acquired earlier – reflecting a professional, repeatable model for compliant, high-quality decommissioning logistics.
Ilker SARI, president, ROTA SHIPPING INC. said: “Sustainable green recycling is an important last stage of a marine asset, we are glad to work with MCA, SEPA, Port of Cromarty Firth, partners and service providers sharing the same vision. It helps us deliver recycling solutions to asset owners with proper legal compliance.”
Dag M. Smørdal, Director, Rig Partner, said: “The Port of Cromarty Firth’s proactive approach and willingness to support our requirements made it significantly easier for Rota Shipping to plan the move and meet every regulatory step on both sides.
“Their team understands what is involved with specialist, compliant decommissioning, and that alignment is invaluable.”
Before its departure, Rota Shipping, Rig Partner and its collaborators submitted a detailed inventory of materials to MCA– to obtain the necessary export licence, in line with UK Ship Recycling regulations.
Matching documentation was provided to authorities in Turkey to secure an import licence. No movement is permitted unless the inventories match.
