GSI Cuts Steel on COSCO’s Heavy Lift Competitor to the Dockwise Vanguard

COSCO Shipping Company Ltd. (COSCOL) has cut steel on a new semi-submersible heavy lift vessel that once completed will compete head-to-head with the world’s most capable heavy lift ship, Dockwise Vanguard.

The ship, named Guang Hua Kou, is being constructed by Guangzhou Shipyard International in China with delivery expected for Q4 2016.

The 90,000 DWT, purpose-built heavy lift vessel will have a large open deck measuring 211.2 meters by 68 meters, large enough to to carry the largest offshore structures, semi-submersible rigs and jack-ups. Key features include stern or side loading capabilities, Class 2 Dynamic Positioning, a diesel-electric propulsion system for a service speed of 13.5 knots, and four high capacity air compressors that will ballast the deck to a depth of 16 meters.

Guang Hua Kou will be the largest semi-submersible heavy lift ship in COSCOL fleet, and second largest in the world behind the 117,000 DWT Dockwise Vanguard.

A representative for COSCOL tells us that the Guang Hua Kou will be capable of transporting cargoes up 75,000mt in weight, although that number varies based on the center of gravity for specific cargoes.

COSCO Heavy Transport, a joint venture COSCOL and NMA Maritime, is the exclusive commercial manager for COSCOL’s fleet of semi-submersible vessels.

MV Guang Hua Kou Specifications:

• Length – 255 meters (837 feet)
• Breadth – 68 meters (223 feet)
• Deadweight – abt 90,000 tons
• Loaded Draft – 10.0 meters (32.8 feet)
• Hull Depth – 14.5 meters (47.6 feet)
• Deck Submersion – 16 meters (52.5 feet)
• Allowable Loads – 20 tons/m2 overall / 125 tons/m on webframes

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