On 8 May 2015, Boskalis subsidiary Dockwise will load the first ship-shaped FPSO onto the largest semi-submersible heavy transport vessel of the world. Coming Friday at 16:30 hrs local time, the Armada Intrepid Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) will be loaded onto the Dockwise Vanguard in the Caland canal, Port of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The loading operation is expected to last 3 to 4 hours, starting when the Armada Intrepid is brought into position and ending when the Dockwise Vanguard is deballasted and refloated.

Dockwise Vanguard assisted by a SMIT tug at the Caland canal in the Port of Rotterdam

The Armada Intrepid FPSO weighs approximately 60,000 tonnes (42,000 tonnes plus ballast) making it one of the heaviest cargos ever transported. With a length of 245 meters, the cargo will be the longest transported on the Vanguard to date. Additional expertise from within the Boskalis group is being deployed on this project, including support from SMIT Towage Northwest Europe during the arrival of the Vanguard and during the loading operation.

Armada Intrepid FPSO at the Keppel Verolme shipyard in Rotterdam

Besides various exploration and production rigs, the Dockwise Vanguard recently successfully delivered the ENI Goliat FPSO. Dockwise Vanguard The Dockwise Vanguard is a unique vessel capable of transporting extremely large assets. As the world's largest semi-submersible heavy-lift carrier, she offers an unprecedented capability for transporting fully-integrated offshore structures and units, including FPSOs. The Dockwise Vanguard has a load capacity in excess of 110,000 tonnes, accommodated on an open-end, free deck space of 275m x 70m. The absence of a raised bow and conventional forward superstructure means that cargo overhang, either forward or aft, is possible. The vessel entered service in February 2013.