Dockwise Vanguard Wins Spotlight on New Technology Award at OTC

Dockwise Ltd has engineered the most innovative semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel in history and redefined the limits of heavy marine transport with the design of the Dockwise Vanguard.

Additionally, the Dockwise Vanguard has opened a new market for offshore dry-docking. Dockwise Ltd Vice President of Sales – Heavy Marine Transport, Robb Erickson led a press event yesterday detailing the benefits of the super vessel.

A 2012 recipient of the OTC Spotlight on New Technology Award and the Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners (KNVR) Shipping Award; the Dockwise Vanguard is 300 yards long and 76.5 yards wide making it the largest semi-submersible vessel ever built. The vessel has a carrying capacity of 117,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) – and travels across oceans at 14 knots. Additionally, the Dockwise Vanguard has a 50% greater lifting capacity and 70% larger deck area than the current largest active heavy lift ship, the Blue Marlin, also owned by Dockwise.

The Dockwise Vanguard was designed for both dry-transport and offshore dry-docking markets. Dry-docking capabilities enable inspection, maintenance and repair service opportunities while keeping the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit on location. The vessel opens a new market for future reliable mega transports allowing the dry-transport of large FPSOs, Spars, Tension Leg Platforms (TLP) and fully integrated floating production units up to a carrying capacity of 117,000 DWT in a safe, fast and well known way.

The Dockwise Vanguard is the first bowless vessel built with a starboard steering room and accommodations; its design was intended to maximize cargo space; a benefit of its unconventional composition. DeltaMarin, a specialized shipbuilding engineering agency, designed the vessel in detail and extensive model tests were performed in a water basin to confirm vessel behavior. Offshore transport opportunities, once considered impossible such as offshore loading and discharge of mega structures and FPSOs are now attainable.

Expected delivery is planned for the fourth-quarter 2012. Subsequently, the Dockwise Vanguard will transport Chevron’s Jack/St. Malo platform hull from Korea to the Gulf of Mexico, and transport the Eni Goliat floating, production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) to Norway. A letter of intent is pending for a third contract.