Boskalis‘ semi-submersible heavy transport vessel Forte has delivered SpaceX’s recovered Starship Ship 40 to the Port of Brownsville, Texas, completing a 12,729-nautical-mile voyage from the Indian Ocean.

The Port of Brownsville confirmed the vessel’s arrival in an official announcement following the long-distance transport operation. Ship 40 had completed a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean on 24 July 2026 during SpaceX’s 13th Starship test flight.

The 52 m-long spacecraft remained afloat following the splashdown and was subsequently towed to waters near Christmas Island, Australia, for recovery and transportation.

Boskalis deployed Forte to load and transport the spacecraft using the vessel’s semi-submersible heavy transport capability.

During the loading operation near Christmas Island, Forte submerged its cargo deck to receive Ship 40. The spacecraft was subsequently secured on deck with seafastening arrangements before the vessel departed for the United States.

According to Boskalis‘ official equipment specifications, Forte measures 216.75 m in length and 43 m in beam, with a cargo deck measuring 177.60 m by 43 m. The vessel is equipped with DP2 dynamic positioning capability.

Following loading near Christmas Island, Forte transported the spacecraft to the Port of Brownsville, completing the 12,729-nautical-mile voyage reported by the port authority.

The completed shipment involved recovery at sea, semi-submersible float-on loading, cargo seafastening and long-distance heavy marine transport.