In a monumental maritime event, the Pioneering Spirit, owned by the shipping company Allseas, is en route to the port of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, with its anticipated arrival scheduled for this Friday, November 24th. The vessel, the largest construction ship in the world, is scheduled to make a brief technical stop for replenishment, supplies, and a partial crew change.
This colossal vessel had previously graced the shores of the Canary Islands in 2019, spending approximately four months in the port of Granadilla (Tenerife) for significant maintenance work. Once again, it will be consigned by Alfaship, ensuring a seamless arrival and stay.
With dimensions that defy maritime norms, boasting a length of 382 metres and a width of 124 metres, the Pioneering Spirit stands as one of the largest ships ever constructed. Originating from the shipyards of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in South Korea, this vessel is a true engineering marvel.
The Pioneering Spirit holds the title of the world's largest ship by volume, displacing 400 thousand Gross Tons (GT) and accommodating a maximum draft of one million tons. Its capacity extends to 571 crew members on board.
A distinctive feature is its double hull, featuring a 122-metre-long and 59-metre-wide slot at the bow. This design enables the installation and removal of upper structures and legs of large oil platforms, weighing up to 48,000 tons, with a single lifting manoeuvre. The vessel is also equipped for laying extensive pipeline sections.
The gap between the two hulls at the bow allows the Pioneering Spirit to "embrace" offshore platform supports, removing superstructures in a single operation using eight pairs of horizontal beams. Additionally, the vessel boasts two tilting cranes at the stern for the assembly and disassembly of platform support structures (jackets) and a laying system capable of operating with heavy pipes at any depth.
As the Pioneering Spirit makes its way to the port of Las Palmas, it brings not only its colossal presence but also a testament to maritime engineering excellence.
