Deepwater Construction vessel

Balder

The world's first semi-submersible crane vessel and still going strong

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24-06 Talos Almost landed, next project Shell West Delta Balder

Main data

Construction Year
Lift Capacity

1978
6,300 metric tons

Dimensions

Length
Width
Width of Deck

154 m
86 m
105 m

Draft

Draft
Draft incl. thrusters

14 m and deeper
4.5 m under hull

Setting the standard

Built in Japan in 1978 Balder was the first of the two semi-submersible crane vessels (SSCVs) ordered by Heerema. The vessel and sister Hermod changed the offshore construction industry forever!

These vessels made it possible to increase heavy-lift capacity and operability in rough waters. Now Balder is fully equipped with a Dynamic Position III system for stability to today's standards.

Heerema's most experienced,
leading the industry since 1978

Deep down

The vessel was converted from an SSCV like Thialf and Sleipnir to a Deepwater Construction Vessel (DCV) in 2001. The vessel has unique capabilities to work at water depths from 70 feet and beyond, and the cranes provide for a depth reach lowering capability as well as a heavy lift capacity of 6,300 metric tons.

Also equipped with a Mooring Line Deployment (MLD) winch that is designed specifically for the deployment or removal of sensitive sheathed spiral strand wire or fibre rope moorings in deepwater.

Here for the whole journey

Balder has been involved in the installation and decommissioning of over 100 projects across the globe.

Due to the vessel's extensive history of installing floating installations, it is the ideal choice for removing these soon-to-be decommissioned structures.

In April 2021, Balder completed the removal of the Morpeth Tension-leg Platform (TLP) in the Gulf of Mexico. We are passionate about circularity at Heerema, and Balder helps us make sure offshore infrastructure is removed as safely as it was installed.