GPO Sapphire Completes 12,900 Nautical Mile Voyage for Rig Reactivation
GPO Heavylift successfully transported the PV Drilling IX jack-up rig (formerly Noble Highlander) from Rotterdam, Netherlands, to Vung Tau, Vietnam, using the heavy-lift vessel GPO Sapphire. The operation covered 12,900 nautical miles over two months, arriving on December 25, 2025, to support the rig's reactivation ahead of drilling campaigns starting April 2026.
Project Details
-
Cargo: PV Drilling IX jack-up rig (Friede & Goldman JU-2000E design)
-
Client: PV Drilling & Well Services Corporation
-
Vessel: GPO Sapphire
-
Route: Rotterdam, Netherlands ➝ Vung Tau, Vietnam
-
Voyage: November – December 2025
Challenging Long-Distance Transport
Following initial reactivation in Esbjerg, Denmark (October 2025), the rig was wet-towed to Rotterdam for loading onto GPO Sapphire. The semi-submersible vessel's capabilities ensured stable transit through the Indian Ocean, delivering the rig safely for Phase 2.
Supporting Asia-Pacific Energy Operations
This project showcases GPO Heavylift's reliability in long-haul rig relocations, enabling PV Drilling's fleet expansion for contracts in Vietnam and beyond.
For more on GPO Heavylift's rig transport services, visit gpo-heavylift.com