The world’s largest semi-submersible crane vessel Sleipnir has arrived in the Port of Rotterdam for the first time. Kolga, Heerema’s newly upgraded tug, joined Sleipnir at sea to guide the vessel into the Caland Canal.

They arrived around 14.45 on Sunday 22 March, a day later than planned. In line with ongoing corona guidelines, owner Heerema Marine Contractors decided to greet the vessel and its crew from the sky rather than onshore. The vessel also received a welcome salute on arrival (see extra pictures and videos below).

‘I and Kolga’s crew proudly guided Sleipnir on its first arrival into the Port of Rotterdam,’ says Koos-Jan van Brouwershaven, Heerema’s CEO. ‘We warmly welcome the vessel and the crew to the Netherlands and wish Sleipnir fair winds and good trades in the upcoming North Sea Summer Campaign.’

Giant

Sleipnir’s scale is hard to imagine: 220 metres long, 102 metres wide, with room to accommodate 400 employees, and weighing 119,000 tonnes. The vessel has completed several installation projects so far, including the record-breaking Noble Energy Leviathan project, Equinor’s Peregrino C installation, and the Cassia C Trinidad installation.

Sustainability options

The vessel has dual-fuel engines that enable Sleipnir to run on LNG, reducing harmful emissions. Additionally, the vessel is fully outfitted with LED-lighting, has a hot/cold energy recovery system, and is ready to be powered by clean electricity when moored in the Caland Canal following the completion of the Shore Power project.

Corona crisis measures

Despite the corona crisis, the Sleipnir is anticipated to continue its work and has a busy campaign ahead. The ship will depart in the coming weeks for the first of several jobs. In a statement, the company said: ‘We take this opportunity to state that Heerema continuously monitors the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and works within all international and national regulations to protect our workforce. The health and safety of Sleipnir’s crew is our main priority, and we will do all we can to protect them.’

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