Monster tow
Netherlands-based towage giant Kotug has sent ‘Maritime Journal’ these stunning pictures of ‘Pieter Schelte’- the largest workboat in the world recently being assisted to her berthing place in the Rotterdam Alexiahaven by the tugs ‘RT Magic’ and ‘RT Spirit’.
Pieter Schelte is 382 metres long and 124 metres wide. The length, in combination with the massive width, makes this vessel unique. This vessel is intended for installing and removing topsides and jackets of large offshore oil and gas platforms in a single lift. At the bow of the vessel is a slot, where topsides are lifted. The vessel is also equipped for laying large pipelines and, with her capacity, will be the largest pipelay vessel as well.
The vessel can lift topsides of offshore platforms weighing up to 48,000 tonnes and jackets up to 25,000 tonnes. Final assembly of the controversially-named Pieter Schelte will take place in the Alexiahaven. The inner lake of Maasvlakte 2 currently provides the necessary space. A special pit has had to be dredged for the vessel. In the port of Rotterdam, the 65 metre long beams of the topsides lift system will be installed. The lifting beams are being constructed in Italy and will be transported by ship to the Netherlands. During the assembly process Kotug will deliver towage services of various kinds to the shipowners.
By Jake Frith
Related Articles
MARINE CONSTRUCTION
POWER & PROPULSION
ENVIRONMENT