Drilling ship generates curiosity at Funchal port
The ‘Pacific Scirocco’, a drilling ship registered in Liberia, has been observed in the waters of Funchal since the morning of Sunday, June 29. Although it was only scheduled to dock in the late afternoon of Saturday, June 28, the vessel appeared early near the port, sailing at an almost standstill speed.
Built in 2011, the ‘Pacific Scirocco’ features characteristics typically associated with offshore oil and gas exploration operations. Its slow movement, at about 0.1 knots, suggests maneuvering or a static wait, which has intrigued residents and port professionals.
No official explanation has been provided by port or regional authorities regarding the purpose of this visit. There are no known associated projects or statements concerning potential environmental risks or implications for local maritime traffic.
Given the industrial profile of the ship and the region’s environmental sensitivity, local entities and monitoring agencies will need to closely follow developments. It is expected that, in the coming days, the aim of the ‘Pacific Scirocco’s presence in Madeira and its possible economic and environmental impact will be clarified.
