Dockwise Delivers Thunder Horse PDQ to Corpus Christi

Dockwise

Dockwise Shipping B.V. set a new record by delivering BP's 59,500-ton semi-submersible Thunder Horse platform in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Already on June 19, 2002 Dockwise has been awarded the contract for the sea transportation of the largest semi-submersible PDQ (Production & Drilling Quarters) unit ever built of its kind by DSME in South Korea. The Thunder Horse PDQ is transported on the largest heavy transport vessel of the Dockwise fleet the m.v. Blue Marlin.

After a smooth float-on loading operation of the Thunder Horse PDQ, the Blue Marlin has set sail on 23 July for the 15,813 n.m. journey to the Gulf of Mexico, via Cape of Good Hope. After a voyage of approx. 8 weeks with an average speed of 11 knots the Blue Marlin has arrived today at the yard of Kiewit in Corpus Christi, where the unit will be completed. The Thunder Horse unit has a length o.a. of 155.95 m, a width o.a. of 113.88 m and a total height of 132.10 m.

"With the latest conversion of the Blue Marlin and subsequent delivery of the BP Thunder Horse PDQ we are convinced to have opened up a burgeoning market for transportation of ultra large and heavy units", said Rob Schoenmaker, general manager commercial affairs Dockwise. "We can now offer oil companies the transportation of fully integrated units to their final destination, eliminating final assembly, hook-up and commissioning on site. Fully integrated units can now be constructed at any location of choice, regardless of distance to site. The 76,061 tons deadweight Blue Marlin is the only vessel in the world capable of transporting ultra-large structures up to 73,000 tons."

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