The world’s largest semi-submersible heavy transportation vessel to be DNV-classed

DNV has secured a contract to class the world’s largest semi-submersible heavy transportation vessel (SSHTV) of Dockwise in Netherlands from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Korea.

The vessel is specially designed to transport more than 110,000 tons of offshore oil and gas production facilities including FPSO units. FPSO units are usually transported by two or three tug boats from shipyards to operating sites, taking about months to mobilize on the sites. This super-heavy transportation vessel can halve the delivery time, helping move up the installation and commissioning time.
The vessel is scheduled to be handed over during the last quarter of 2012 and upon completion, it will be the world’s largest super semi-submersible vessel
Wwith an overall deck size of 275 x 70 m, and a revolutionary bowless design, the new vessel will haveand a carrying capacity of more than 110,000 t.
The new vessel has been categorised a Type 0  to reflect its exceptional size. Hitherto, the largest class of vessel has been Type 1 with cargo capabilities between 41,000 and 73,000 t and of which Dockwise, as only provider in the market, already has two in service.  It will be the first of its kind in service in the maritime transport industry, and will add a unique capability to the Dockwise fleet, maintaining its leadership position at the top of the market.
Key Factors
The specification of the T-0 is subject to further detailed design engineering, as Dockwise consults with clients and HHI offshore division engaged in fabricating the next generation of modular units. HHI’s flexibility in new build design, together with its track record of on-schedule delivery and budget discipline, were key deciding factors in the award of the contract. The total cost of the vessel including all project and design costs, is expected to be approximately USD 240 million, with installments of approximately 45% in 2011 and 55% in 2012. The investment is fully financed by the successful rights issue and revolver debt facility Dockwise completed end 2010.

“This will be a great opportunity for DNV to show our competence in the special ship market and strengthen the role of class as the leading classification society. This ship will be equipped with very complicated system for semi-submersible and auto positioning etc. DNV has big challenges to meet quality objective and production schedule together with HHI because there is no sufficient leading time for engineering and another challenge is to meet owner’s high expectations during approval and production. To create another success story, team work for effective cooperation and customer service mind at every aspect are essential,” says Mr. Kim, Young Ho, Senior Customer Service Manager, DNV.

In 2010, DNV in Korea had secured 103 new building vessels in ship and offshore segment. Contrary to rather conservative forecast on new orders, DNV in Korea had successfully won more contracts than what it has been expected at the start of year 2010.
Source: DNV