TheDutch company announced that it had started a study into the new design at theOffshore Technology Conference in Houston.
TheDockwise Vanguard which came into service in early 2013 is already the world’s heavyliftvessel with a carrying capacity of 117,000t.
Boskalis did not disclose the dimensions of thenew giant, but an artist’s impression of the new design showed that it was largeenough to load the Dockwise Vanguard.
“Ourdecision to start this study is a reflection of this and we see many moreexciting opportunities in the FPSO and FLNG markets,” said Boskalis chiefexecutive Peter Berdowski.
“Thestudy addresses both the market opportunities and the technical requirementsfor the new vessel.”
Boskalissaid it will engage with clients to understand how this vessel can accommodatethe expected growth in the FPSO and FLNG markets in addition to the transport of outsized heavy marine structures.
“Comparedto the Dockwise Vanguard, the new vessel will be larger in terms of length,breadth and carrying capacity but will also have a bowless design andasymmetric accommodation,” Boskalis said.
“The addition of another V-class vessel to thecurrent fleet of semi-submersible HTV’s allows Boskalis to further expand itsleading market position in the offshore energy industry.”
This is the latest in a new generation of “mega vessels”being developed by contractors such as Boskalis.
Late last year Heerema Marine Contractors said it wasworking on plans for a giant semi-submersible crane vessel.
The vessel, which industryobservers say would cost over $1bn to build, would be the largest of itskind in the world.
