VESSEL REVIEW | Dongfang Haigong 07 – Heavy transport barge for Chinese cable installation firm

China’s Zhejiang Donghong Shipbuilding has completed construction on a new semi-submersible, heavy transport barge ordered by local cable installation specialist Ningbo Orient Wires and Cables (Orient Cables).

Named Dongfang Haigong 07 (“Oriental Offshore 07”), the 20,000DWT, non-self-propelled vessel will be used for the transport of submarine cables and other deck cargo. Installed on board are two 36-metre cable carousels with a combined capacity of 18,000 tonnes as well as cable testing equipment.

The barge has a steel hull, an LOA of 128 metres, a beam of 42 metres, and a design draught of 6.15 metres. Power for the onboard machinery is supplied by three 800kW main generators while a 64kW generator will be used while at berth.

The barge is also certified for unlimited navigation via towing, allowing it to be operated in offshore waters globally. In addition to performing cable transport duties, the vessel will also perform simulation testing of deepwater umbilical cable installations, in-situ fatigue simulation testing of floating wind power cables, and stability testing of underwater mooring structures.

Construction of Dongfang Haigong 07 was done in compliance to China Classification Society requirements.