Local people on both sides of the Forth Estuary between Kirkcaldy and Largo Bay on the north shore and Aberlady and Gullane Bay on the south bank are expected to be treated to the sight of a major marine operation taking place in the river commencing on Saturday evening (10^th April) and completing on Sunday (11^th April) – subject to weather conditions.

Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit, the largest construction vessel in the world, is scheduled to transfer its cargo of a topside drilling platform to the 200 metre long cargo barge, Iron Lady, on Saturday evening. The Pioneering Spirit is 382 metres long and 124 metres wide and was specifically designed for the single-lift installation and removal of large offshore platforms. The vessel has a lift capacity of 48,000 tonnes.

The following morning, the Iron Lady and its cargo will disengage from the Pioneering Spirit and will be towed by Forth Ports’ tugs, the Craigleith, Inchcolm and Fidra, under all three Forth crossings to the Port of Rosyth. The Iron Lady will be moored at the Port of Rosyth for approximately six weeks, after which it is scheduled depart for the Energy Park Fife in Methil where its cargo will be unloaded prior to its decommissioning.

Please note that this operation and all timings are subject to weather conditions and, should poor weather prevent the operation taking place, it will be rescheduled for the next appropriate day.

Ends                                                                                                               9^th April, 2021