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Leaving the rig JLP01_09_752285AF
Graythorp, Hartlepool. A team of people clambering down from the oil platform Graythorp II onto a boat moored alongside.
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. The oil platform Graythorp I was launched on Saturday 29th June 1974 and on the weekend of 14th-15th June 1975, Graythorp II was named and floated out of the dock basin down the Seaton Channel to where it was handed over to its owners BP. This photograph appears to have been taken just after the platform had been floated along the Seaton Channel to where tugs then took over, towing the structure out to sea. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Media ID 24058954
Filename: jlp01_09_752285af.jpg
Size: 5203 x 5282 (4.2MB)
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/
1970s Boat Oil Industry Oil Rig People Work
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of the oil industry. Titled "Leaving the rig" it showcases a team of determined individuals descending from the colossal oil platform Graythorp II onto a boat, which is securely moored alongside. The image transports us back to the early 1970s when Laing Pipelines Offshore constructed the Graythorp fabrication yard and dry dock on the grounds of the old William Gray Shipyard. The construction of fixed platform North Sea drilling rigs for BP's ambitious North Sea Oil Project took place at this very location. On that memorable day, Saturday, June 29th, 1974, Graythorp I was launched into existence. A year later, on June 14th-15th weekend in 1975, its successor - Graythorp II - was christened and gracefully floated out of the dock basin down Seaton Channel before being handed over to its owners at BP. In this particular snapshot taken shortly after its floatation along Seaton Channel, we witness an awe-inspiring sight as tugs prepare to take over and tow this monumental structure out to sea. This photograph not only encapsulates hard work but also symbolizes human ingenuity and determination within an ever-evolving industry. Captured by A© Historic England Archive with remarkable precision and clarity, this image serves as a testament to both technological advancements made during that era and those who dedicated their skills towards shaping our energy landscape forever.
