What Are Heavy Lift Vessels?
Heavy Lift Vessels (HLVs) are specialized ships designed to transport and install extremely heavy and oversized structures such as oil platforms, bridges, entire ships, industrial modules, and even aerospace equipment.
These vessels are equipped with some of the most powerful cranes in the world, advanced ballast systems, and unique designs that allow them to lift and move hundreds of thousands of tons at sea.
TOP 3 Heavy Lift Vessels in the World
1. Pioneering Spirit (Switzerland, Allseas)
The largest heavy lift vessel in the world.
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Length: 382 m
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Width: 124 m
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Crane lift capacity: up to 48,000 tonnes
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Main function: installation and decommissioning of offshore platforms, pipe-laying
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Special feature: twin-hull catamaran design with a slot in the bow to cradle platforms
🔧 Notable projects:
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Removal of Shell’s Brent Delta and Brent Bravo platforms
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Pipe-laying for Nord Stream 2
📌 Fun fact: Pioneering Spirit can lift platforms heavier than five Eiffel Towers combined.
2. Sleipnir (Netherlands, Heerema Marine Contractors)
The most powerful semi-submersible crane vessel in the world.
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Length: 220 m
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Width: 102 m
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Crane capacity: two cranes, 10,000 tonnes each
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Main function: lifting offshore modules, jackets, and other heavy structures
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Fuel: runs on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
🔧 Notable projects:
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Offshore installations in Qatar and Saudi Arabia
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North Sea and Gulf of Mexico operations
📌 Fun fact: Sleipnir is the first heavy lift vessel powered entirely by LNG, making it one of the most environmentally friendly in its class.
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3. BOKA Vanguard (formerly Dockwise Vanguard, Netherlands)
The world’s largest semi-submersible heavy transport vessel.
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Length: 275 m
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Width: 70 m
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Carrying capacity: up to 110,000 tonnes
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Main function: transporting offshore platforms, damaged ships, and other large marine assets
🔧 Notable projects:
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Transport of the Goliat FPSO (weighing over 64,000 tonnes)
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Relocation of the USS John S. McCain after a naval collision
📌 Fun fact: The ship can submerge its deck, allowing massive cargo to float aboard.
Conclusion
Heavy lift vessels represent the pinnacle of maritime engineering. These sea giants drive global progress by enabling offshore construction, transportation, and rescue operations on an extraordinary scale.
Every new project proves that heavy lift vessels aren’t just transporting cargo — they’re reshaping the world’s industrial landscape.
