OTC14: Boskalis plans new ultra-large heavy transport vessel

Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. announced at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston that it has started a study into a new ultra large V-class Heavy Marine Transport Vessel (HTV).

Dockwise Vanguard, which came into service early 2013, and was taken over by Boskalis through its acquisition of Dockwise last year, is already the world’s largest V-class HTV with a carrying capacity of 117,000t and deck space of 270m x 70m.

Peter Berdowski, CEO Boskalis, said, “The Dockwise Vanguard has been well received in the market. Our decision to start this study is a reflection of this and we see many more exciting opportunities in the FPSO and FLNG markets.”

The study addresses both the market opportunities and the technical requirements for the new vessel. Boskalis will engage with clients to understand how this vessel can accommodate the expected growth in the FPSO and FLNG markets in addition to the ocean-going transport of outsized heavy marine structures. Compared to the Dockwise Vanguard, the new vessel will be larger in terms of length, breadth and carrying capacity but will also have a bowless design and asymmetric accommodation.

The addition of another V-class vessel to the current fleet of semisubmersible HTV’s allows Boskalis to further expand its leading market position in the offshore energy industry.

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