The SSCV Thialf is a huge semi-submersible crane vessel operated by Heerema Marine Contractors, and it was the largest crane vessel in the world until the SSCV Sleipnir became the largest in 2019.
SSCV Thialf in a Norwegian fjord
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History | |
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Name | SSCV Thialf |
Namesake | Thialfi (Norse servant of Thor)[2] |
Operator | Heerema Marine Contractors |
Builder | Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding[3] |
Identification |
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Status | In service |
General characteristics | |
Class and type | Semi-submersible crane vessel |
Tonnage | |
Displacement | 198,750 t max |
Length | 201.6 m (661 ft) |
Beam | 88.4 m (290 ft) |
Height | 144.0 m (472.4 ft) crane |
Draft | 31.6 m (104 ft) max |
Depth | 49.5 m (162 ft) |
Propulsion | 6 × 5,500 kW retractable azimuthing thrusters |
Complement | 736 berths |
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.
The Thialf has two cranes with a combined maximum lifting capacity of 14,200 metric tons.[4]
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, 22.5 t, with 2,500 meter, 80 mm mooring wire.
The hull consists of two pontoons with four columns each. Transit draught is about 12 metres. For lifting operations it will normally be ballasted down to 26.6 m (87 ft). This way the pontoons (with a draught of 13.6 metres) are well submerged to reduce the effect of waves and swell.
It is able to accommodate 736 people.
Lightship weight is 72,484 t.