LR to Class Largest Heavy Lift Crane Vessel

International classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has won a contract to class the world’s largest heavy lift crane vessel (NSCV) for the Netherlands-based Heerema Group.

The USD 1 billion, dual-fuel LNG and MGO semi-submersible vessel will be constructed at the newly opened Sembcorp’s Yurong Shipyard in Singapore, and is due to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The vessel will comply with LR’s ECO notations including NOx Tier III compliance, LNG propulsion and compliance with the ballast water management convention (BWMC).

The semi-sub will also have dynamic positioning capabilities in excess of the DP (AAA) standard along with compliance with a range of coastal state requirements including Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), UK and USCG requirements which means it will be capable of deep and ultra-deep sea operations on a global scale.

Jan-Pieter Klaver, CEO of Heerema Marine Contractors, said: “Our contract with Jurong Shipyard represents the next critical step in our plans to introduce the NSCV to the market. The fact that we decided to press on with our plans in these times of low oil prices, shows our belief in the offshore oil and gas industry and demonstrates our continued commitment to offer unparalleled installation services to the industry.”