VESSEL REVIEW | Fanzhou 8 – Versatile heavy lift vessel for China's Jiangsu Fanzhou Shipping

Chinese shipowner Jiangsu Fanzhou Shipping recently took delivery of a new semi-submersible heavy lift vessel (HLV) built by Taizhou Zhonghang Shipyard.

Classed by China Classification Society (CCS), Fanzhou 8 (泛舟8) has a length of 256 metres (840 feet), a beam of 51 metres (170 feet), a deadweight of 55,000, and a large open deck with a total area of 11,700 square metres (126,000 square feet).

Designed to support offshore energy and marine construction sectors

The open deck can be used to transport up to 58,000 tonnes of cargo such as offshore wind turbine components, offshore oil and gas platform components, steel bridge components, and nuclear power generation equipment.

The propulsion arrangement includes two 8,340kW (11,200hp) main engines and two 1,200kW bow thrusters, thus ensuring compliance with CCS’ PR-2 redundant propulsion system rules and allowing the vessel to operate safely even under Beaufort Force 12 conditions. Sea trials showed that the main engines can deliver a top speed of over 15 knots.

Fitted with autonomous systems

The HLV is also capable of autonomous navigation and operating in areas with mild to moderate surface ice, making it ideal for deployment in polar regions. A range of 16,000 nautical miles will permit use on global routes.

Fanzhou 8 complies with CCS’ Continuously Manned Duty at Machinery Premises and Wheelhouse Remote Control of Propulsion System automation notations. It also satisfies EU and Hong Kong Convention requirements covering green and intelligent offshore engineering vessels.