The Pioneering Spirit is the world’s largest construction vessel

The Pioneering Spirit is the world’s largest construction vessel, designed and owned by the Allseas Group. This impressive vessel, originally named Pieter Schelte, was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and delivered in 2014. It measures 382 meters in length and 124 meters in breadth, with a gross tonnage of 403,342.

Pioneering Spirit is renowned for its unique ability to lift entire oil and gas platform topsides in a single lift, with a maximum capacity of 48,000 tons. This capability is achieved through its catamaran hull design, which features a large slot at the bow to straddle and lift platforms. In addition to topside lifts, it has a jacket lift capacity of 25,000 tons, making it extremely versatile for both installation and decommissioning operations.

The vessel is powered by eight 20-cylinder MAN diesel generators, providing a total installed power of 95 MW. It is equipped with 12 Rolls-Royce azimuth thrusters for dynamic positioning, allowing precise maneuverability during complex lifting operations. Pioneering Spirit also includes a state-of-the-art pipe-laying system, enabling it to install subsea pipelines.

Since its commissioning, Pioneering Spirit has set numerous records, including the removal of the 24,000-ton Brent Delta platform topsides for Shell UK in 2017. Its ability to perform such large-scale lifts efficiently has made it a game-changer in the offshore construction industry.

The vessel also supports a crew of up to 571 people, housed in two-berth cabins, and features extensive onboard facilities, including a helideck capable of supporting Sikorsky S-61 and S-92 helicopters.