China Communications Construction Company has taken delivery of Sanhanggong 9, a new semi-submersible heavy lift vessel built for oversized cargo transport and secondary emergency response. The vessel is classed by China Classification Society and will be operated by CCCC’s Third Harbour Engineering Bureau.

Built by Ningbo Zhenhe Shipbuilding, Sanhanggong 9 has an overall length of 105 m, a beam of 43.5 m, a depth of 7.5 m, deadweight of 14,175 t, and lifting capacity of 18,000 tonnes. The vessel is among the largest semi-submersible deck cargo ships built and operated in China, according to the source.

The ship is fitted with removable towers that can be taken off when deck clearance is required for offshore wind turbine components, concrete caissons weighing up to 12,000 tonnes each, and other oversized cargoes. It is also equipped with two cranes rated at 50 t and 25 t.

Its power arrangement includes one Stamford S4L1M generator and three Stamford S6L1M generators. An onboard energy storage system can be used instead of the generators, reducing exhaust gas emissions from vessel operations.

With its lifting and transport capacity, Sanhanggong 9 can also support emergency work, including the salvage of capsized vessels and search and rescue operations, particularly in extreme sea conditions.