VESSEL REVIEW | Seaway Swan – Chinese-built heavy transporter boasts 50,000DWT capacity

Norwegian operator Seaway 7 has taken delivery of a new semi-submersible heavy transport vessel (HTV) as part of an eight-year bareboat contract with Chinese shipowner the United Faith Group.

Under the charter, United Faith’s HTV Xin Qun 3 has been renamed Seaway Swan and reflagged to Norway. The newbuild is the sixth HTV to join the current fleet of Seaway 7

Built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation subsidiary Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, the 50,000DWT, DP2-equipped Seaway Swan has an LOA of 218.36 metres, a moulded beam of 43 metres, a draught of 10 metres, and a depth of 13.35 metres. Six generators with a total rated output of 3,000 kW delivers a speed of 13.5 knots and a range of 18,000 nautical miles. The propulsion arrangement also includes two ABB 5,000kW azimuthing pod thrusters.

Two separate generators are also available to supply electrical power to the cargo.

The vessel will be used to load larger and longer cargo such as XXL monopiles as well as modules that would typically need to be skidded on and off the vessel over the stern. Cargo is transported on the large, unobstructed open deck that measures 163.5 by 43 metres and is fitted with two casings in position for securing payloads in place. If the casings are removed, the deck’s length is increased to 178.9 metres. The deck can transport up to 25 tonnes per square metre.

A ballast system enables the vessel to better control motions and accelerations. The system includes ballast tanks, two pumps, and four air compressors.

Onboard accommodations are available for 48 personnel including crew.

Seaway Swan will be used for float-over operation projects, feeder duties alongside installation vessels, and offshore (subsea) construction support. It will initially support construction projects of customers in the offshore wind market.

The vessel is classed by both DNV and China Classification Society.

Click here for more news stories, feature articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s focus on marine projects.