Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Graythorp - oil rigs
Crane operators JLP01_08_093216C
Filename: jlp01_08_093216c.jpg
Size: 7620 x 5060 (6.0MB)
Date: 15th November 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Crane operators JLP01_08_093216C
Graythorp, Hartlepool. Two workers at Graythorp, one seated at the controls of a crane during lifting being carried out on site.
In the early 1970s Laing Pipelines Offshore constructed the Graythorp fabrication yard and dry dock on the site of the old William Gray Shipyard. The company created a dry dock which was used for the construction of fixed platform North Sea drilling rigs for the BP North Sea Oil Project. By 1972, one thousand men were working on site to build a tubular structure which would support a drilling rig in the North Sea destined for the Forties Oilfield. This photograph is part of a batch taken to show the foundation tub of a 509 Revolver crane being lifted on to a gantry
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24058908
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Industry
> Engineering and Construction
> Cranes
> Industry
> Engineering and Construction
> Graythorp - oil rigs
> The way we were
> Work
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of Graythorp, Hartlepool. Two skilled workers are depicted at the Graythorp fabrication yard, engrossed in their task as they operate a crane during a lifting operation on site. The photograph transports us back to the early 1970s when Laing Pipelines Offshore undertook the ambitious project of constructing the Graythorp fabrication yard and dry dock on the grounds of the old William Gray Shipyard. This location would soon become instrumental in supporting BP's North Sea Oil Project. As we delve into this snapshot from yesteryear, it becomes evident that immense manpower was required for such an undertaking. By 1972, approximately one thousand dedicated individuals were diligently working together to construct a tubular structure capable of supporting a drilling rig destined for the Forties Oilfield in the North Sea. Intriguingly, this particular image focuses on showcasing the foundation tub of a 509 Revolver crane being lifted onto a gantry. The precision and expertise demonstrated by these crane operators is truly commendable. Preserved within Historic England Archive's collection, this photograph not only immortalizes an important milestone in industrial development but also pays homage to those who worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to shape our nation's energy landscape.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
