memories of irian jaya from 1984/1985

 photograpic album of my work in irian jaya back in 1984/1985

Towards the end of being employed by Conoco Inc for ten years as an expatriate in Dubai, Singapore and Jakarta with my family, the company decided to drill two wells in Irian Jaya.

After my family repatriated to the UK, I remained behind as a Marine Adviser for the Giant 4 Project and I believe the cost of logistics exceeded the actual costs of drilling the two wells.

I converted a giant submersible barge into a logistics base for three Puma Helicopters and all associated staff.

During this and earlier similar projects up the coast I pioneered the use of submersible barges to load smaller vessels for a much faster demobilisation back to Singapore. I lived on the large Japanese salvage tug illustrated above and used the large and comfortable owners suite which had been generously supplied with Black Label Whisky and Tiger Beer for my voyage up the coast to Sorong.

The first few images illustrate an earlier drilling project and marine demobilisation, and then the marine survey I undertook into the area to establish if the planned marine project using the Giant 4 would be achievable. The last batch of images illustrate my 6 months with the Giant 4 Project.

The main Giant 4 Project was a fascinating 6 months in my life with a midway leave back to the UK generously approved by my boss!