BigLift Shipping has retired the iconic Happy Buccaneer heavy transport vessel after 40 years of service.
Referred to as the ‘Grand Old Lady’, Happy Buccaneer was built in 1984 and is known for its large, spacious deck and heavy lift cranes. Throughout, it has used cranes from equipment provider and fellow Netherlands-based company, Huisman.
Over its 40 years of operations, BigLift’s vessel completed 286 voyages. According to the company, it has sailed around the world nearly 135 times and has been home to 2,100 crew members during this time.
Across its time operating, the ship’s engines have been running for around 200,000 hours and still run flawlessly today, said BigLift, a testament to its ”enduring strength”. 98 percent of the vessel’s pumps and generators have remained the same since its induction in 1984.
In a tribute to the vessel, BigLift has invited people to build their own paper versions of Happy Buccaneer. You can register to receive a template here.
