China Constructs World’s Largest Heavy Lift Ship, Fan Zhou 8

China has reported successful sea trials of the world’s biggest heavy lift vessel, with some comparing its capacity to its indigenously built aircraft carrier.

The ship is 256 m long and 51 m wide, with a 16,000 nm range.

Fan Zhou 8 has a capacity for more than 58,000 metric tons of cargo and its lift deck is reported to be 11,700 sq m. It was built by Taizhou Zhonghang Shipyard for Jiangsu Fanzhou Shipping.

The ship can transport offshore oilfield jackets, port machines, components for offshore wind power, platform modules etc.

The vessel underwent sea trials between December 16-20 in the waters east of Shanghai and achieved a top speed of 15 knots, powered by two 8340 kW main engines and two 1200 kW bow thrusters.

The power plant is redundant and during sea trials, the ship was escorted by tugboats though it also used its autonomous navigation.

The ship can also operate in waters with small floating ice and is polar-ready.

It also has brake system remote capabilities, automation capabilities and green notations which meet the requirements of the EU and Hong Kong Convention.

China has also developed a massive fleet of heavy lift ships. These ships also deliver ship-to-shore cranes and port cranes from China to other countries. Experts say that the fleet also has military capabilities for the Chinese Navy.

References: Eurasian Times, SCMP

Source: Maritime Shipping News