World’s largest crane vessel put to the test

Sleipnir’s speed was tested and when fully deploying all eight thrusters, a speed was reached of 12.2 knots, approximately 22.6km per hour, significantly reducing transit times to projects around the world.

The vessel’s two 10,000-tonne revolving cranes which can lift loads of up to 20,000 tonnes in tandem, were also put to the test. Being the largest crane vessel in the world, Sleipnir can lift huge loads and the tests showed she can easily meet the cranes’ specifications. Operational tests were carried out successfully with loads of 11,000 tonnes per crane (110% of its capacity) and the cranes passed the tests with flying colours.

The Dynamic Positioning system performed even better than the specifications and the system can keep Sleipnir stationary within the footprint of a garden tile of 30 x 30 cm during operational work.

Sleipnir will soon commence her maiden voyage to southern Spain where she will be prepared for her first installation project in the Mediterranean.

Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC), headquartered in Leiden, The Netherlands, is a world leading marine contractor in the international offshore oil and gas and renewables industry. HMC specialises in transporting, installing and removing offshore facilities from shallow to ultra-deep water. HMC has the largest crane vessels in the world: Sleipnir, Thialf, Balder and Aegir. In addition, the Heerema fleet has a range of equipment, such as tugs, barges, offshore lifting and pile-driving equipment. HMC is part of the Heerema Group.

By Jake Frith