February 6 - Royal Boskalis Westminster (Boskalis) is converting one of its semi-submersible heavy lift vessels into a self-propelled crane vessel.
According to a video posted by Boskalis, the ship will be able to execute transportation as well as installation and decommissioning services and due to its DP2 (dynamic positioning) capabilities, there will be no loss of time for anchor spread deployment.
The vessel, which is expected to be delivered in 2018, will have a helicopter deck available for offshore transfers, a 3,000-tonne capacity revolving crane, as well as accommodation for 150 people, says Boskalis.
HLPFI reported in July 2016 that Boskalis was planning to take 24 vessels out of service in the coming two years following a fleet rationalisation study. Of those ships, 14 will be taken out of the company's offshore energy division, which includes Boskalis' heavy transport vessels.
The animation below shows the vessel performing decommissioning services.
