SSCV Thialf
The SSCV Thialf is a Semi-Submersible Crane Vessel. It was constructed in 1985 as DB-102 for McDermott by Mitsui. In 1997 it was taken over by Heerema after discontinuation of their joint venture with McDermott, HeereMac.
The Thialf has two cranes with a maximum lifting capacity of 14,200 metric tons. It is equipped with a class III Dynamic Positioning system for position keeping in deep waters. For shallow waters there are 12 Delta Flipper anchors.
The hull consists of two floaters with four columns each. Transit draught is ± 11 meter. For lifting operations it will normally be ballasted down to 26.6 meters. This way the floaters (with a draught of 13.6 meters) are well submerged to reduce the effect of waves and swell.
Maximum draught is 31.6 meter, excluding the DP thrusters. Length overall is 201.6 meter, breadth 88.4 meter.
Remarkable projects
- Construction of the Erasmus Bridge in 1995.
- Decommissioning of the Brent Spar.
- In 2000 it set a world record of 11,800 ton by lifting Shell's Shearwater topsides.
- In 2005 it installed the heaviest single piece foundation piles: 2.74 meter diameter x 190 meter long, weighing 1000 tons each for ChevronTexaco's Benguela Belize compliant tower.