Dockwise Vanguard gets drydocking gig

AUGUST 8, 2013 — The  world’s largest semisubmersible Heavy Transport Vessel (HTV), Dockwise Vanguard, was recently used as an alternative to a dry dock.

Disney Cruise Line passengers get a view of an unusual drydocking operation

When a large enough dry dock wasn’t available for the repair and maintenance of a semi-submersible drilling rig in the Mediterranean, Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. subsidiary Dockwise was contracted to provide the innovative solution of drydocking on the Dockwise Vanguard.

The Dockwise Vanguard is uniquely positioned for this type of large scale dry docking as well as the transportation of very large and heavy structures. The drilling rig was loaded onto the Dockwise Vanguard allowing inspection and repairs to be made in areas of the rig that are otherwise below the waterline.

Also assisting in the project was Boskalis subsidiary SMIT, which provided underwater inspection and temporary repairs prior to loading the rig onto the Dockwise Vanguard.  

Boskalis views this project as strategically important demonstrating the opportunities for combining maritime services and assets across the breadth of the company. It says that the use of the Dockwise Vanguard for dry docking purposes shows the versatility of the vessel. Initially positioned for the heavy marine transport of large integrated structures, the recently announced transportation of a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading unit (FPSO) and this successful drydocking demonstrate the broader potential of the vessel.

Dockwise Vanguard Characteristics

Length o.a. 275.00 meters
Length b.p. 270.00 meters
Breadth molded / max. 70.00 meters
Deck Space (L X B)* 275.00 x 70.00 meters
Depth 15.50 meters
Draft submerged at FPP / APP 31.50 / 31.50 meters
Maximum draft 10.99 meters
Water-depth above main deck FPP / APP 16.00 meters
Deadweight 117,000 metric tons
Speed 14.5 knots
* Equipped with movable casings