The Largest Semi-Submersible Freighter in the World Starred in an Impressive Operation Transporting 90 Thousand Tons of Concrete to the Philippines.
In May 2022, the BOKA Vanguard, known as the largest semi-submersible freighter in the world, performed one of the most challenging maneuvers ever carried out at the port of Punta Langosteira in A Coruña. The mission? To transport six colossal concrete coffins, each weighing 15 thousand tons, for the expansion of an airport in the Philippines. An operation that highlighted the strength and ingenuity of this impressive vessel.
The BOKA Vanguard is frequently hailed as the largest semi-submersible freighter in the world, a title earned thanks to its innovative design and impressive loading capacity. At 275 meters long, 70 meters wide, and 15.5 meters deep, the ship is capable of carrying structures of up to 110 thousand tons – equivalent to the weight of hundreds of Boeing 747 aircraft. Compared to other giants of the seas, such as the largest oil tankers in the world, the BOKA Vanguard stands out for its unique semi-submersible capability.

Largest Semi-Submersible Freighter in the World Meets Demanding Needs
Designed to meet the most demanding needs of the offshore industry, the freighter can transport oil platforms, FPSOs, other gigantic ships, or even immense blocks of concrete, like those created by Acciona for the project in Galicia. In addition, the BOKA Vanguard can also act as a floating dry dock, allowing repairs in the middle of the ocean.
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How Does It Do That?
The magic behind the BOKA Vanguard lies in its design. The ship can take on ballast, submerging the deck until the load floats and is positioned correctly. Once in place, the ballast is released, and the ship raises the deck, safely carrying the structure. This operation, carried out in 2022, allowed the six concrete giants to be transported in a single historic trip.
After loading the 90 thousand tons at the port of Punta Langosteira, the freighter headed to the Ares estuary, where final adjustments ensured the safety of the cargo before crossing thousands of kilometers to the Philippines.
More Than a Record
The creation of the BOKA Vanguard was not a whim, but a necessity to meet the growing demand for complex logistical operations. Built between 2011 and 2012 in Korea, the ship was commissioned by Dockwise to overcome the limitations of its predecessors. The name change to BOKA Vanguard came in 2018, when Boskalis reaffirmed the ship’s prominence in high-complexity operations.
In addition to being a milestone in naval engineering, the largest semi-submersible freighter in the world also reduces operational costs by transporting larger and heavier structures in a single trip, increasing the efficiency of operations.
Operations like that in A Coruña are evidence of the versatility and power of the BOKA Vanguard. Whether transporting gigantic platforms or concrete coffins weighing 15 thousand tons, the largest semi-submersible freighter in the world continues to navigate the oceans and redefine the limits of maritime engineering.

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