World’s Third Largest Crane Ship Transits Dardanelles, Leaving Traffic Temporarily Suspended

World’s third-largest crane ship, the semi-submersible heavy-lift and pipelay vessel SAIPEM 7000, transited the Dardanelles, which led to a temporary suspension of vessel traffic in the Strait from 7:00.

The vessel platform was lowered from 135 m to 57 m by filling its ballast tanks and lowering its crane booms. The Bahamian-flagged crane vessel entered the Strait with a special towing and escort plan from the Sea of Marmara.

The operation was handled by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, and northbound and southbound ship traffic in the Strait was temporarily suspended until the ship crossed the waterway to prevent any accidents.

To adjust due to the air gap under the Canakkale Bridge, the ship took in seawater into its tanks so it could submerge even further. The two main crane booms were also brought closer to a horizontal position.

Hence, the total height, which is around 135 m, was reduced to 57 m during the transit. The operation was supported by two tugboats and 5 coastal safety units.

SAIPEM 7000 was towed by Pacific Discovery and GH Discovery. Tugs KURTARMA-1, KURTARMA-13, KURTARMA-20, rescue tug GEMİ KURTARAN, fast rescue boat KIYEM-1 and pilot captains also supported the entire operation.

One of the largest crane ships, it can lift 14,000 tonnes in tandem operation with its two main cranes and can lay pipes in waters deeper than 2000 metres.

The platform can accommodate around 725 people and lay pipes at a depth of 2150 metres in the Black Sea during the Blue Stream Project.