Black Marlin heads to Hobart to load Incat’s Hull 096 for South America delivery

Heavy lift vessel BLACK MARLIN is heading to Hobart to collect Incat’s Hull 096, the battery-electric ship built for Buquebus, ahead of its delivery voyage to South America, according to Incat. The semi-submersible heavy lift ship will travel to Tasmania via South Africa and Melbourne before entering the River Derwent for the loading operation. 

BLACK MARLIN is 217 metres long and 42 metres wide, making it one of the largest vessels ever expected to enter the River Derwent.

Incat chairman Robert Clifford said the ship’s arrival would mark the final stage before Hull 096 leaves Tasmania. Clifford said Incat would provide updates as BLACK MARLIN makes its way towards Hobart. “This project has captured international attention from the very beginning, and we know many people are keen to follow the next step in the journey. We’ll be sharing updates on the vessel’s progress as it heads towards Tasmania and prepares to load Hull 096.” 

The loading operation will involve BLACK MARLIN taking on ballast to submerge its cargo deck below the waterline. Hull 096 will then be manoeuvred above the deck before ballast water is pumped out, lifting the cargo clear of the water.

Incat said the operation will be one of the most complex maritime movements undertaken in Tasmania.

Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd is an Australian shipbuilder based in Hobart, Tasmania. It builds high-speed lightweight aluminium vessels for commercial and government customers.

Buquebus is a ferry operator serving passenger and vehicle routes between Argentina and Uruguay, including services across the River Plate.

BLACK MARLIN is a semi-submersible heavy lift vessel designed to transport large marine and industrial cargoes using a ballasting system that allows cargo to be floated over its submerged deck before lifting.

Source: Portnews