Starting from the principle that a boat is defined as being “a floating construction intended for navigation”, many things can be boats. Like the BOKA Vanguard which in no way resembles the idea that one can have of a ship.
BOKA Vanguard a boat unlike any other
If you were asked to draw a boat, we're pretty sure you would do it with a hull and sails or maybe it would look like a fishing boat (small or large). And in itself, you will indeed have drawn a boat.
However, the BOKA Vanguard looks nothing like the boat you imagine it to be, but it is one and it's huge.
275 meters long, the semi-submersible cargo ship looks like a boat that one might think is unfinished. Indeed, imagine a gigantic platform surrounded by five large structures which look like buildings and which are topped with cranes. Here is the BOKA Vanguard.
Impressive capabilities
Formerly known as Dockwise Vanguardthe cargo ship which sails under the flag of Curaçao today is quite simply the largest maritime carrier in the world. Leave aside the container ships which clearly do not play in the same league as this colossus of the seas.
Indeed, the BOKA Vanguard was simply designed for transport:
- offshore oil infrastructure (entire oil platforms)
- cruise ships
- wind turbines
And this up to supporting a weight of more than 110,000 tonnes or the equivalent of 846 blue whales.
On November 25, 2024, the Spanish-speaking media Xataka told of the time when the BOKA Vanguard had been requisitioned in 2022 to transport six cubes of cement of 15,000 tonnes each (90,000 tonnes in total) between La Coruña (Spain) and the Philippines.
It can also serve as a mobile dry dock for large boats if neighboring ports do not have sufficient infrastructure.
A semi-submersible ship
What do we mean when we describe the BOKA Vanguard semi-submersible cargo ship? In itself it's quite simple.
If it can support a load of 110,000 tonnes, this does not mean that there necessarily exists a structure capable of lifting such a load from the ground or from the water. So, when it transforms into a dry dock for example, the BOKA Vanguard can sink part of its structure underwater so that it can load its cargo by passing underneath it.
It then simply rises to the surface of the water to perfectly load the cargo on board.
Source : Xataka
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
