World's Largest Vessel to be Assembled in Rotterdam Port

‘Pieter Schelte’, the biggest vessel in the world, is to be completed in the port of Rotterdam. Owner and designer Allseas and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have signed an agreement to this effect. The plan is for ‘Pieter Schelte’ to arrive in Rotterdam at the end of 2014, informs the Port of Rotterdam.

‘Pieter Schelte’ is 382 metres long and 124 metres wide. The length, in combination with the massive width, makes this vessel unique with the ability to lift topsides off offshore platforms weighing up to 48,000 tonnes and jackets up to 25,000 tonne

The vessel is intended for installing and removing topsides and jackets of large offshore oil and gas platforms in a single lift. At the bow of the vessel is a slot, where topsides are lifted. It is also equipped for laying large pipelines and, with her capacity, will be the largest pipelay vessel as well. s.

Alexiahaven
 assembly
Final assembly of  the huge vessel will take place in the Alexiahaven. The inner lake of Maasvlakte 2 currently provides the necessary space. A special pit will be dredged there for the vessel. In the port of Rotterdam, the 65 metre long beams of the topsides lift system will be installed. The lifting beams are being constructed in Italy and will be transported by ship to the Netherlands.

“The construction of  ‘Pieter Schelte’ means a great boost for the maritime industry. We’re proud that Allseas is responsible for this innovation and pleased that the port of Rotterdam can make a contribution. It’s in line with the Port Authority’s endeavour to develop the port further as a centre of the global maritime industry”, according to Allard Castelein, Chief Executive of the Port Authority.