1.
TGV PAN Tank TO Norwegian coast
0.19

2.
SV PAN People watching tank through trees
0.30

3.
GV, CU's Tank (3 shots)
0.46

4.
GV Tank towed to sea
0.50

5.
AV Tank with three tugs manoeuvring
0.54

6.
GV Tank through water
0.56

7.
AV & GU Tank towed (2 shots)
1.14

8.
AV Ditto (2 shots)
1.26


Various of tank being towed out to sea.




Initials SGM/0229 SGM/0300



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The largest offshore oil storage tank ever built began its journey some 300 miles (483 kms) to its permanent location in the Ekofisk North Sea oil field 185 miles (287 kms) off the coast of Norway on Thursday (21 June).

The tank, called the "Ekofisk One" was constructed in the waters of Hillevagen, Norway where the 80 metres (yards) depth provided an ideal site to construct the massive tank.

The structure, made of concrete, is 90 metres (yards) high, is roughly circular and has a diameter of 92 metres (yards). It cost just over 28 million US dollars and can hold one million barrels - 132,000 metric tons - of crude oil. Empty it weights about 215,000 metric tons and has a draught of 66 metres (yards).

Plans for the "Ekofisk One" were accepted by the Phillips Norwegian Group in May 1971. The concrete structure was completed in December 1972. Work continued on mechanical installations until shortly before the vessel went to sea on Thursday (21 June).

Six large tugs are shunting and towing the huge container to its site. The move is expected to take seven days if the weather stays fine. Average speeds will very between one-and-a-half and two knots an hour.

SYNOPSIS: Making its way slowly, and even majestically out of the waters of Hillevagen, Norway on Thursday was the "Ekofisk One", the largest offshore oil storage tank ever built. The journey ahead was some 300 miles to its permanent location in the Phillips Norwegian Group operated Ekosfisk North Sea Oil Field, about 185 miles off the Norwegian coast.

The waters of Hillevagen were perfect for the construction of the giant vessel as there is 80 metres depth, very necessary for the structure which is 90 metres tall with a 92 metre diameter.

The structure is of concrete and cost just over 28-million US dollars. It has a storage capacity of an incredible one million barrels of oil, that's 132,000 metric tons. Empty it weighs about 215,000 metric tons and has a draught of 66 metres. Six large tugs are being used to jockey the "Ekofisk One" across the sea and into position. If the weather's good, it should take seven days for the voyage. Average speeds will vary between one-and-a-half and two knots an hour.