Docklift confirms first contract for Type 0 heavly lift vessel

Heavy lift specialist Dockwise confirms its first contract for the new Type 0 vessel. By the end of 2012 and immediately upon delivery of the vessel by the shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries, the vessel will transport the Jack St. Malo platform hull from Korea to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

While initially in the form of an intent, the selection of the Type 0 vessel now has been confirmed by Chevron, the operator of the Jack St. Malo floating production platform.

“We are pleased with the trust Chevron places in the capabilities of the new vessel and the commitment of Dockwise’s management and staff to make this first assignment of the vessel a success. Also, this commitment is a very clear sign that this vessel will rapidly earn its place in the market and, as indicated earlier, has the potential to create a new market of its own,” comments André Goedée, Dockwise’s CEO.

The new vessel has been categorized a “Type 0” (T-0) to reflect its exceptional size. Hitherto, the largest class of heavy lift vessel  has been categorized as Type 1 with cargo capabilities between 41,000 and 73,000 tons.  Dockwise, the only provider in the market, already has two vessels of this type in service.

The Type 0 has a revolutionary bowless design. It will have a carrying capacity of more than 110,000 tons.

The vessel is specially design to carry offshore production facilities, including Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs). Normally, it can take months for two or three tugs to deliver and FPSO from a shipyard to its production site. The use of this special heavy lift ship will cut delivery times in half, speeding delivery and moving up installation and commissioning times.

July 25, 2011