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The world's largest semi-submersible cargo ship carried out an impressive operation to transport 90 tons of concrete to the Philippines.
In May 2022, the BOKA Vanguard, known as the largest semi-submersible cargo ship in the world, performed one of the most challenging maneuvers ever carried out in the port of Punta Langosteira, in A Coruña. The mission? To transport six colossal concrete caissons, weighing 15 tons each, for the expansion of an airport in the Philippines. An operation that highlighted all the strength and ingenuity of this impressive vessel.
The BOKA Vanguard is often hailed as the world’s largest semi-submersible cargo vessel, a title earned thanks to its innovative design and impressive cargo capacity. At 275 meters long, 70 meters wide and with a depth of 15,5 meters, the vessel is capable of carrying structures weighing up to 110 tons – the equivalent of the weight of hundreds of Boeing 747 aircraft. Compared to other giants of the sea, as the largest oil tankers in the world, the BOKA Vanguard stands out for its unique semi-submersible capability.
World's largest semi-submersible cargo ship meets demanding demands
Designed to meet the most demanding demands of the offshore sector, the cargo ship can transport oil platforms, FPSOs, other gigantic vessels or even huge concrete blocks, such as 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 he do it?
The magic behind the BOKA Vanguard lies in its design. The ship can ballast itself, submerging the deck until the cargo 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 voyage.
After loading 90 tons at the port of Punta Langosteira, the cargo ship headed to the Ares estuary, where final adjustments ensured the safety of the cargo before crossing thousands of kilometers towards the Philippines.
Much more than a record
The creation of BOKA Vanguard was not a whim, but a necessity to meet the growing demand for complex logistics operations. Built between 2011 and 2012 in Korea, the vessel was commissioned by Dockwise to overcome the limitations of its predecessors. The name change to BOKA Vanguard came in 2018, when Boskalis reaffirmed the vessel's role in highly complex operations.
In addition to being a milestone in naval engineering, the world's largest semi-submersible cargo ship also reduces operating costs by transporting larger and heavier structures in a single trip, increasing operational efficiency.
Operations like the one in Coruña are proof of the versatility and strength of the BOKA Vanguard. Whether transporting gigantic platforms or 15-ton concrete caissons, the world’s largest semi-submersible cargo ship continues to explore the oceans and redefine the limits of maritime engineering.
Caracas, yes, that's a 10 for captain too.
If the captain is such a great guy, how come the article wasn't found?