Conversion to Heavy-Lift Transport Vessels

Imtech Marine & Offshore (The Netherlands) recently received a contract for the navigation, automation and electrical propulsion systems for two heavy-lift transport vessels. The “Fairmount Fjord” and “Fairmount Fjell” were originally semi-submersible barges and are being converted to self-propelled heavy-lift transport vessels. The vessels will be primarily employed in the transport of offshore equipment such as jack-up and semi-submersible drilling rigs, and floating production units for the offshore oil and gas industry.

With this type of vessel, the cargo is loaded and unloaded when the vessel is ballasted down to a semi-submerged condition. The cargo is then floated on and off the vessel’s large open cargo deck. The “Fairmount Fjord” dimensions are 164.3 m length between perpendiculars, 45.5 m breadth and 9 m depth, while the “Fairmount Fjell” is slightly smaller. Propulsion plants for both vessels are provided by a consortium formed by Imtech Marine & Offshore and Wärtsilä. The consortium is responsible for the initial design of the power plant, supply of power generating sets, thrusters, all ancillary systems, electrical switchboards, and the integrated bridge system, including controls for the power plant.