10 Biggest Heavy Lift Ships in the World: Semi-Submersible Heavy Transport Vessels

The transportation of large, heavy objects on the high seas requires specialized vessels that can handle the weight and size of the cargo.

Heavy-lift ships are the solution, and this article highlights the top 10 biggest heavy-lift ships in the world.

These ships can transport a variety of objects, including oil platforms, port cranes, offshore wind turbines, and different types of vessels.

The article provides details on the specifications of each vessel, including its size, weight, cargo capacity, and maximum speed. The ships come from various countries, including China, the Netherlands, and Norway, and are used for different purposes, such as the installation of offshore wind turbine foundations, the transport of yachts, and the movement of drilling rigs.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy-lift ships are essential for transporting large, heavy objects on the high seas.
• The top 10 biggest heavy lift ships in the world come from various countries and are used for different purposes.
• These ships have impressive specifications, including size, weight, cargo capacity, and maximum speed.

Sun Rise

The Sun Rise is a semi-submersible heavy transport vessel that was manufactured in China in 2012 and sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands. It measures 169 meters long by 40 meters wide and has a gross tonnage of 22,400 tons.

The vessel has a cargo capacity of 24,600 tons and is equipped with 2 engines that have a total of 12,200 horsepower. The ship can reach a maximum speed of 13 knots or 24 kilometers per hour.

Functions

The Sun Rise is designed to carry out operations in the high seas and can be used to transport heavy structures for different types of industries or for large ships such as passenger ships. The vessel is capable of transporting heavy loads such as oil platforms, port cranes, offshore wind turbines, or different types of vessels.

Performance

The Sun Rise is a reliable vessel that is capable of performing heavy-duty tasks. It is a semi-submersible heavy transport vessel that is designed to carry out loading and unloading operations on the high seas. The ship is equipped with powerful engines that enable it to reach a maximum speed of 13 knots or 24 kilometers per hour. The vessel is also equipped with the latest technology that makes it easy to control the position and heading of the ship, using thrusters and an advanced control system.

In conclusion, the Sun Rise is an impressive semi-submersible heavy transport vessel that has been designed to carry out heavy-duty tasks on the high seas. The vessel is equipped with powerful engines and advanced technology that makes it easy to control the position and heading of the ship. It is capable of transporting heavy loads such as oil platforms, port cranes, offshore wind turbines, or different types of vessels.

Yacht Servant

Yacht Servant, a heavyweight ship launched recently, sails under the auspices of the Dutch flag. This spectacular craft was constructed to replace the Yacht Express, setting new standards for high-capacity yacht transportation and impressive cruising speed.

With impressive dimensions, the Yacht Servant spans a length of 220 meters and a breadth of 35 meters. It flaunts a gross tonnage of 19,500 tons and possesses an increased cargo capacity of 14,000 tons. The vessel is powered by engines that produce an astonishing total horsepower of 24,500, capable of reaching a top speed of 19 knots.

Functions

Yacht Servant’s primary function lies in the transoceanic transport of luxury yachts. It has adopted an innovative approach to the loading and unloading of yachts using a floating cargo method, which is exclusive to this vessel. The Yacht Servant is designed to accommodate a variety of yacht sizes and shapes, ensuring the highest quality of service for all.

The ship’s deck is specially engineered to host yachts, and the highly trained crew excels in handling the yacht load with extreme care. The Yacht Servant is equipped with cutting-edge navigation systems and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure utmost safety during transport.

Performance

As a testament to its reliability and efficiency, Yacht Servant is a vessel that assures ease of yacht transportation across the world’s oceans. Its engines, which produce a total horsepower of 24,500, allow the vessel to hit a maximum speed of 19 knots.

The ship’s advanced navigation systems and state-of-the-art equipment enable it to navigate safely through any weather condition. The Yacht Servant’s reputation is rapidly growing among yacht owners for its high-quality service, setting a new benchmark in the industry for safety and performance.

Forte

Forte is a heavy-lift ship that was manufactured in 2012 in China and sails under the Maltese flag. It measures 217 meters long by 43 meters wide and has a gross tonnage of 36,600 tons.

The ship can be equipped with a dynamic positioning system that automatically controls the position and heading of the ship, using thrusters and an advanced control system. It has 4 engines with a total of 18,400 horsepower and can reach a maximum speed of 14 knots. Forte has a cargo capacity of 48,000 tons.

Functions

Forte is primarily used for the installation of offshore wind turbine foundations and also for the installation of oil and gas structures.

The ship is designed to carry out loading and unloading operations on the high seas and can be used to operate with all types of loads such as oil platform structures or to transport different types of vessels.

The dynamic positioning system allows the ship to maintain a stable position while carrying out these operations.

Performance

Forte is a reliable and efficient heavy-lift ship that can transport heavy structures for different types of industry or for large ships such as passenger ships.

The ship’s cargo capacity of 48,000 tons and its dynamic positioning system make it an ideal vessel for offshore operations. With a maximum speed of 14 knots, Forte can quickly transport heavy loads to their destination. Its powerful engines and advanced control system ensure that the ship can operate safely and efficiently in all types of weather conditions.

Xiang Yun Kou

The Xiang Yun Kou is a semi-submersible heavy transport vessel that was manufactured in China in 2011. It sails under the Chinese flag and has been designed to carry out loading and unloading operations on the high seas.

Xiang Yun Kou measures 217 meters long by 43 meters wide, has a gross tonnage of 35,500 tons, and a cargo capacity of 48,000 tons. The vessel has four engines with 20,800 horsepower in total and can reach a speed of over 13 knots.

Functions

The Xiang Yun Kou is a versatile vessel that can be used to operate with all types of loads such as oil platform structures or to transport different types of vessels. It is a semi-submersible heavy transport vessel that has been designed to carry out operations in the high seas.

Xiang Yun Kou can be used to transport heavy structures for different types of industry or for large ships such as passenger ships. The vessel can be equipped with a dynamic positioning system that automatically controls the position and heading of the ship, using thrusters and an advanced control system.

Performance

The Xiang Yun Kou is a reliable vessel that is capable of carrying out heavy transport operations efficiently. It has four engines with a total of 20,800 horsepower, which allows it to reach a speed of over 13 knots. The vessel has been designed to carry out loading and unloading operations on the high seas, and it can transport large floating and non-floating cargoes.

With a cargo capacity of 48,000 tons, the Xiang Yun Kou is a valuable asset for the transport of heavy materials or structures such as drilling platforms and for the installation of decks on ships.

In conclusion, the Xiang Yun Kou is a versatile and reliable vessel that can be used for a wide range of heavy transport operations. With its dynamic positioning system, it can operate efficiently in the high seas, making it an essential asset for the transport of heavy materials and structures.

White Marlin

The White Marlin is a new-generation transport vessel that is currently operated by the Dutch company Boskalis to meet international demand. It measures 217 meters long by 63 meters wide and has a gross tonnage of 51,000 tons and a carrying capacity of 72,100 tons.

This vessel has been used for the transport of heavy materials or structures such as drilling platforms and for the installation of decks on ships.

Specifications

The White Marlin is a massive vessel that has been built to transport heavy materials and structures on the high seas. It is equipped with 4 engines with a total of 23,600 horsepower and can reach a speed of over 14 knots.

The vessel has a gross tonnage of 51,000 tons and a carrying capacity of 72,100 tons. It measures 217 meters long by 63 meters wide, making it one of the largest transport vessels in the world.

Functions

The White Marlin is primarily used for the transport of heavy materials or structures such as drilling platforms and for the installation of decks on ships. It is a new-generation transport vessel that is equipped with the latest technology to meet international demand. The vessel has been designed to be versatile and can be used for a wide range of functions.

Performance

The White Marlin is a powerful vessel that is capable of transporting heavy materials and structures on the high seas. It is equipped with 4 engines with a total of 23,600 horsepower and can reach a speed of over 14 knots. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 51,000 tons and a carrying capacity of 72,100 tons. It has been designed to be efficient and reliable, ensuring that it can meet the demands of its clients.

Overall, the White Marlin is an impressive vessel that has been built to transport heavy materials and structures on the high seas. It is equipped with the latest technology and has been designed to be versatile, making it a valuable asset for the Dutch company Boskalis.

Seaway Hawk

Seaway Hawk is a heavy transport vessel that sails under the Norwegian flag. It was manufactured in 1989 in Croatia and is designed for use in offshore installations. The vessel features a huge platform and high-capacity ballast system, making it suitable for transporting the heaviest equipment in the world such as platforms for drilling plants or wind turbines.

Seaway Hawk measures 226 meters long by 45 meters wide with a gross tonnage of 44,600 tons and a cargo capacity of 64,000 tons. It has one engine with a total of 18,100 horsepower and can reach a maximum speed of 14 knots.

Functions

Seaway Hawk is primarily used for transporting heavy equipment and structures for offshore installations. It is capable of carrying platforms for drilling plants, wind turbines, and other project cargo logistics. The vessel’s high-capacity ballast system allows it to submerge its deck, making it easier to load and unload cargo.

Performance

Seaway Hawk’s one engine provides a total of 18,100 horsepower, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 14 knots. Its high-capacity ballast system allows it to submerge its deck, making it easier to load and unload cargo. Additionally, the vessel’s huge platform and high-capacity ballast system make it suitable for transporting the heaviest equipment in the world.

GPO Amethyst

The GPO Amethyst is a semi-submersible heavy transport vessel that was manufactured in Taiwan in 2018. It sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands and is one of the most advanced ships of its kind.

The vessel measures 225 meters long by 48 meters wide and has a gross tonnage of 49,000 tons. Its carrying capacity is 63,000 tons, and it has four engines with 31,000 horsepower in total. The ship is operated by 26 crew members.

Functions

The GPO Amethyst is part of a fleet of four identical vessels used to transport drilling rigs, dredging equipment, cranes, and other types of cargo. It is designed for the installation of offshore wind turbine foundations and also for the installation of oil and gas structures. The ship can be equipped with a dynamic positioning system that automatically controls the position and heading of the ship, using thrusters and an advanced control system.

Performance

The GPO Amethyst can reach a top speed of 13 knots. It is one of the most advanced ships of its kind and is operated by 26 crew members. The vessel has been used for the transport of heavy materials or structures such as drilling platforms and for the installation of decks on ships.

Its carrying capacity is 63,000 tons, and it has four engines with 31,000 horsepower in total. The ship is a new-generation semi-submersible heavy transport ship that was previously called the Dockwise Vanguard. Its design without a bow allows it to transport larger loads.

Zhen Hua 29

Zhen Hua 29 is a semi-submersible heavy cargo transportation vessel that was manufactured in China in 1987. It sails under the Hong Kong flag and is designed to carry large floating and non-floating cargoes.

The ship is part of the ZOMC fleet and measures 245.35 meters long by 42 meters wide and has a gross tonnage of 41,500 tons. It has a cargo capacity of 51,500 tons and features one engine with a total of 13,200 horsepower. The ship can reach a top speed of 14 knots.

Functions

Zhen Hua 29 is used for the transport of large platforms, modules, or gantry cranes, which are used for loading and unloading containers from ship to port. The ship is semi-submersible, which means that it can be partially submerged in water to allow for easier loading and unloading of cargo. This feature makes it ideal for transporting large and heavy cargo that cannot be loaded onto traditional cargo ships.

Performance

Zhen Hua 29 is a reliable and efficient heavy cargo ship that can transport large and heavy cargo over long distances. It has a cargo capacity of 51,500 tons, making it one of the largest heavy cargo ships in the world.

The ship’s engine has a total of 13,200 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 14 knots, allowing it to transport cargo quickly and efficiently. Its semi-submersible design makes it a versatile ship that can be used for a variety of cargo transportation needs.

Xin Guang Hua

Xin Guang Hua is a heavy cargo ship that was manufactured in China in 2016. It sails under the Hong Kong flag and is equipped with a diesel and electric propulsion system.

The ship measures 255 meters long by 68 meters wide, has a gross tonnage of 84,500 tons, and a carrying capacity of 98,000 tons. It can carry ships up to 240 meters long and 35 meters wide. The vessel has 2 engines with a total of 28,000 horsepower.

Functions

Xin Guang Hua is a versatile ship that can be used for various purposes. It is primarily used for dry transport of ships, drilling rigs, offshore structures, or construction equipment.

The ship’s large size and carrying capacity make it ideal for transporting heavy cargo. It is also equipped with a dynamic positioning system that can automatically control the position and heading of the ship, using thrusters and an advanced control system.

Performance

Xin Guang Hua is a powerful ship that can reach a speed of over 13 knots. Its 2 engines with a total of 28,000 horsepower allow it to transport heavy cargo efficiently.

The ship’s diesel and electric propulsion system also makes it more environmentally friendly compared to other heavy cargo ships. With its large size, carrying capacity, and advanced features, Xin Guang Hua is a reliable and efficient vessel for transporting heavy cargo on the high seas.

Boka Vanguard

The Boka Vanguard is a semi-submersible heavy transport ship that sails under the flag of Curaçao. It was manufactured in 2013 in South Korea and has a length of 275 meters and a width of 27 meters.

The ship has a gross tonnage of 91,700 tons and a cargo capacity of 116,000 tons. It is operated by 40 crew members and has two engines with a total of 35,400 horsepower.

Functions

The Boka Vanguard is a new-generation semi-submersible heavy transport ship that is designed to move large structures offshore or to transport large ships.

Its unique design without a bow allows it to transport larger loads. The ship is capable of carrying heavy cargo such as oil platforms, port cranes, offshore wind turbines, and different types of vessels. It is also used for the installation of offshore wind turbine foundations and for the installation of oil and gas structures.

Performance

The Boka Vanguard can reach a maximum speed of 12 knots. Its advanced propulsion system allows it to move heavy cargo efficiently and safely. The ship’s cargo-carrying capacity of 116,000 tons makes it one of the largest heavy-lift ships in the world. The Boka Vanguard is also equipped with dynamic positioning technology that enables it to maintain its position and heading using thrusters and an advanced control system.

In conclusion, the Boka Vanguard is a state-of-the-art semi-submersible heavy transport ship that is designed to handle heavy cargo efficiently and safely. Its unique design and advanced technology make it one of the most capable heavy-lift ships in the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the heavy-lift shipping industry is constantly evolving, with new and innovative ships being manufactured to meet the demands of various industries. From semi-submersible vessels to new-generation transport ships, each vessel has its unique features and capabilities that make it suitable for specific tasks.

The BOKA VANGUARD takes the top spot as the largest and most powerful heavy-lift ship in the world, with a gross tonnage of 91,700 tons and a cargo capacity of 116,000 tons. It is designed to move large structures offshore or transport large ships, and its innovative design without a bow allows it to transport larger loads.

Other notable ships include the XIN GUANG HUA, which is equipped with a diesel and electric propulsion system and can carry ships up to 240 meters long and 35 meters wide. The HAWK, designed for use in offshore installations, features a huge platform and high-capacity ballast system, making it suitable for transporting the heaviest equipment in the world.

Overall, the 10 biggest heavy-lift ships in the world are essential for various industries such as oil and gas, offshore wind turbines, and yacht transportation. With their impressive capabilities and advanced technology, these vessels play a crucial role in the global economy and the transportation of heavy cargo.