Malin Abram and Augustea’s semi-submersible lifting barge is being lengthened and strengthened at the Hat-San shipyard in Turkey in preparation for the transport and launch of a Royal Navy Type 26 vessel on the banks of the River Clyde in Scotland.
Heavy lift services specialist Henry Abram & Sons, part of the Malin Group, secured the contract with BAE Systems to transport the Type 26 vessel last year, as HLPFI reported here.
The bespoke launch barge that will be deployed for the project will be one of the largest in Europe, capable of handling cargoes up to 140 m long. Malin Group said that it would be able to accommodate the load out and float off of most offshore structures and vessels, making it one of the most capable vessels of this type in Europe.
John MacSween, managing director of the Malin Group, added: “Securing this piece of equipment marks another positive step forward in the reawakening of the shipping and large-scale marine manufacturing industry in Scotland. This versatile asset, based on the west coast of Scotland, can be used for launching and bringing ships ashore, docking vessels locally or at remote locations as well as being used to relocate large structures around the UK and further afield.
“We are delighted to continue our longstanding relationship with the internationally renowned tug and barge owner specialists Augustea, as well as work with Hat-San who are bringing years of shipbuilding experience to the conversion.”
