The world's largest crane vessel, Sleipnir, has completed sea trials and crane load tests, the vessel’s owner Heerema Marine Contractors announced on Friday.
The new $1.5 billion semi-submersible crane vessel was built by Singapore's Sembcorp Marine and is the world's first construction vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
During sea trials all major systems performed according to specifications or better, the Netherlands-based offshore contractor said.
When fully deploying all eight thrusters, the vessel reached a speed of 12.2 knots, which will help it to significantly reduce transit time to projects around the world.
When put to the test, Sleipnir’s two 10,000-metric-ton revolving cranes, which can lift loads of up to 20,000 metric tons in tandem, were able to successfully lift loads of 11,000 metric tons per crane (110% of its capacity).
The dynamic positioning (DP) system also performed better than the specifications. The system can keep Sleipnir stationary within the footprint of a garden tile of 30 x 30 centimeters during operational work.
Heerema said Sleipnir will soon commence its maiden voyage to southern Spain where it will be prepared for its first installation project in the Mediterranean.