March 16 - A pair of large semi-submersible heavy lifters designed by Cosco Shipping are being built at Guangzhou Shipyard International.
Features of two 50,000 dwt vessels, being made ready for delivery by 2010, will include a redundant propulsion system and an advanced submersion system that will work to extreme depths of 26m, using compressed air like a submarine.
The adventurous design also includes a large open cargo deck ensuring the ships are suitable for transporting the largest semi-submersible and jack-up rigs currently in the market, large capacity compressors to control ballasting and enable operations to be completed in four hours, and a diesel-electric propulsion system reaching a speed of 14 knots.
The commercial management and marketing of the vessels will be handled by Houston/Rotterdam-based NMA Maritime under an exclusive agreement.
