What Crew Members Say About Xin-Guang-Hua

In a significant move for the oil and gas sector, the COSCO Heavy Lifter has successfully loaded a massive 40,335 mt hull, which is destined for Shell’s Appomattox deep-water project in the Gulf of Mexico. This operation took place on August 6, 2017, near Geoje Island, South Korea. The Appomattox hull is now making its way to Ingleside, Texas, where the final construction phases are set to take place. Located approximately 130 kilometers off the coast of Louisiana, the Appomattox development aims to tap into the resources of the Appomattox and Vicksburg fields, with predictions suggesting an impressive average peak production of around 175,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d). Currently, the 2016-built vessel Xin Guang Hua is navigating the waters of the South China Sea and is projected to arrive at its Texas destination in early October, according to data from VesselsValue. This logistical achievement highlights the ongoing advancements and efforts in the maritime transport and offshore energy sectors.

On December 8, 2016, Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers Co. Ltd., a prominent entity within the China Ocean Shipping Group, proudly announced the delivery of its latest and largest semi-submersible vessel, the Xin Guang Hua. Built by Guangzhou Shipyard International Company, this impressive ship boasts a cargo capacity of 100,000 metric tons. With a length of 255 meters and a width of 68 meters, the Xin Guang Hua stands as a colossal competitor to the Dockwise Vanguard operated by Boskalis's Dockwise subsidiary. Semi-submersible vessels like the Xin Guang Hua are essential in transporting significant cargo, including offshore oil and gas platforms, and are also utilized for ship salvage operations. A notable instance includes the Blue Marlin from Dockwise, which effectively transported the USS Cole back to a U.S. dock for repair following a devastating al-Qaeda attack in Aden harbor, Yemen, in 2000. Currently, Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers maintains a fleet of eight semi-submersible ships, with capacities ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 metric tons, further solidifying its role as a leader in the specialized marine transport sector.