Boka Vanguard ready for 90,000-tonne FPSO

The world’s largest semi-submersible heavy lift vessel, Boka Vanguard, is preparing to load a 90,000-tonne floating production, storage and offloading platform (FPSO).

This is equivalent to the weight of 300 Boeing 747 aeroplanes, making it the heaviest cargo ever to be transported by a semi-submersible heavy lift vessel.

Until recently, the Boskalis-owned Boka Vanguard was known as Dockwise Vanguard.

Capable of transporting fully-integrated offshore structures and units, including FPSOs, Boka Vanguard has a load capacity of more than 110,000 tonnes, accommodated on an open-end deck space of 275 metres by 70 metres.

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.