April 2013
Supplement
Carrying the next generation of offshore mega-structures
In February, the world’s largest semisubmersible heavy transport vessel set out on its maiden voyage, carrying the world’s largest semisubmersible offshore platform hull. The Dockwise Vanguard performed its first float-on operation in South Korea, where it was built, before carrying the Jack/St Malo hull, which weighs almost 56,000 tons, to Kiewit yard in Ingleside, Texas. It is expected to reach its destination in early May. With a bow-less design that enables loading of longer cargoes and a loading capacity of up to 110,000 tons, the Dockwise Vanguard is intended to cater to the next generation of large offshore structures. Michel Seij of Dutch-based Dockwise spoke to World Oil about the rationale behind building this $240-million vessel.
