Semi-submersible vessel to be built
Artist impression of the new vessel
Dockwise has been studying the feasibility of investing in a new semi-submersible monohull vessel, bigger than its current largest vessel, the "Blue Marlin". This so-called “Type 0” vessel, with capacity of more than
100,000 metric tons, and decksize of 275 x 70 meters will be a first for the maritime transport industry and is expected to require a total investment of approximately USD 200 million. Dockwise has applied for a patent on the design of the vessel.
The majority of Dockwise’s revenues originate from the Oil & Gas industry. Current trends for projects and equipment in this industry are distinctly towards greater scale and size for premier projects:
•Exploration and production is shifting from shallow water in traditional areas to deep water and remote areas.
•Industry demand is for larger, heavier equipment, in single transportable modules.
•Plant and equipment is increasingly constructed in dedicated, low cost environments ahead of transportation.
Dockwise’s close liaison with customers commissioning production platforms, sparbuoys and FPSOs, to be deployed in offshore projects in the coming decade, has given Dockwise a view of the scale and complexity of the transportation demands, it will be required to meet as the industry leader. The new vessel, which has already passed its tank tests, will exhibit a revolutionary bowless design for key operational advantage.
Delivery of the vessel is planned for the latter part of 2012. Dockwise is currently in the process of negotiating with selected first rate shipyards for construction of the new vessel.
