Dockwise, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Boskalis Westminster, has been awarded the contract to load and transport the wreck of the 'Costa Concordia' from Isola del Giglio on board the semi-submersible heavy lift vessel 'Dockwise Vanguard'.
Awarded by salvage contractor Costa Crociere S, the operation was conceived following the successful parbuckling of the 'Concordia' and in anticipation of the pending refloat.
The 'Concordia' can be loaded as a whole onto the 'Dockwise Vanguard' and safely transported to a location where she can be scrapped. Costa Crociere has yet to make a decision in agreement with the local authorities on the final destination. However alternatives under review include scrapping the vessel in Italy.
As part of the contract, certain modifications will be made to the 'Dockwise Vanguard' to accommodate the loading of the 'Concordia' in her current state. The operation is planned to take place around mid-2014 and contract value of the work scope as described amounts to approximately US$30 million.
According to Boskalis, the 'Dockwise Vanguard' is the world's largest semi-submersible ship. Initially designed to transport offshore oil and gas structures, the vessel can also carry other vessels and act as an offshore dry dock facility.
The 'Dockwise Vanguard' has an open and flat stern and bow-less deck measuring 275 metres by 70 metres allowing the vessel to transport cargo longer and wider than the deck dimensions. When the ballast tanks are flooded, the ship deck submerges below the surface, allowing her to handle deep draught cargoes.
Once the 'Dockwise Vanguard is semi-submersed, the floating 'Concordia' will be brought in position above the deck and as the ballast tanks are emptied, the entire ship including the 'Concordia' is brought above the water line allowing her to transport the cargo in a safe and swift manner.
