08/10/2024
The ship that ships other ships, Blue Marlin, is a semi-submersible heavy lift vessel owned by Dockwise Shipping of the Netherlands, designed to transport very large cargo like oil rigs and decommissioned naval vessels. It measures 224.6 meters in length and 63 meters in width, with a gross tonnage of 51,821 and a deadweight of 76,061 tons. It is powered by a MAN B&W 9S90ME-C8 engine producing 12,640 kW (16,950 hp) and has a cruising speed of 14.5 knots (26.9 km/h). The vessel has a unique ability to submerge its deck to load large structures, and then raise the deck for transport.
Blue Marlin is equipped with 38 cabins to accommodate 60 people, along with amenities like a workout room, sauna, swimming facilities, and a secure citadel for protection against pirate attacks. It has been involved in significant projects, such as transporting the USS Cole after the 2000 terrorist attack and carrying the oil platform Thunder Horse PDQ, weighing 60,000 tons, to Corpus Christi, Texas.
This vessel has a total lift-off capacity of 100 tons from a single crane, emphasizing its capability in heavy-lift transport. The innovative design and engineering of Blue Marlin have set new standards in the industry, making it a reliable choice for challenging assignments in maritime logistics.