The SSCV Thialf is a huge semi-submersible crane vessel operated by the Netherlands-based Heerema Marine Contractors; it was the largest crane vessel in the world until the SSCV Sleipnir became the largest in 2019.

History

The ship was constructed in 1985 as DB-102 for McDermott International by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. In 1997, it was taken over by Heerema Marine Contractors after discontinuation of their joint venture with McDermott, HeereMac, and renamed Thialf.

Layout

The Thialf has two cranes with a combined maximum lifting capacity of 14,200 metric tons. It is equipped with a class III dynamic positioning system. Propulsion and position keeping is by six 5,500-kW retractable azimuthing thrusters. For shallow waters, there are 12 Flipper Delta anchors at 22.5 t, with 2,500-meter, 80-mm mooring wire. The hull consists of two pontoons with four columns each. Transit draft is about 12 meters. For lifting operations, it is normally ballasted down to 26.6 m. This way the pontoons (with a draft of 13.6 meters) are well submerged to reduce the effect of waves and swell. It is able to accommodate 736 people. Its lightship weight is 72,484 t.

Noteworthy projects

Footnotes