Pioneering Spirit: 7 things you may not know about the world's largest vessel which visited Lancashire this week

This week the world's largest vessel arrived in Morecambe Bay to remove two gas rigs that are no longer in use.
By Colin Ainscough
Published 11th Apr 2021, 07:00 BST
Updated 11th Apr 2021, 09:00 BST
The vessel 'Pioneering Spirit' of Swiss offshore service provider Allseas passes through the Bosphorus towards the Mediterranean from the Black SeaThe vessel 'Pioneering Spirit' of Swiss offshore service provider Allseas passes through the Bosphorus towards the Mediterranean from the Black Sea
The vessel 'Pioneering Spirit' of Swiss offshore service provider Allseas passes through the Bosphorus towards the Mediterranean from the Black Sea

Here are 7 incredible facts about the vessel - you can read more about its visit to Lancashire here:

How long did it take to build Pioneering Spirit?

The vessel was first conceptualised in 1988, but the initial concept had to be changed over the coming years, with construction only starting in 2011.

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From concept to completion it took 26 years to bring Pioneering Spirit to life.

Following it's completion in 2014, the world's largest ship began offshore operations in 2016.

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How big is the Pioneering Spirit?

The ship is an impressive 382-metre-long (1,253 ft), and 124-metre-wide (407 ft) making it the world's largest vessel by gross tonnage (403,342 gt).

How much did the ship cost to build?

The Pioneering Spirit was built in South Korea by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering at an eye-watering cost of €2.6 billion.

How fast can the Pioneering Spirit travel?

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The 12 Rolls-Royce Diesel-electric azimuth thrusters can get the vessel to a maximum speed is 14 knots, which is equivalent to 26 kmh or 16 mph.

How many crew member does the ship carry?

Pioneering Spirit can accommodate a 571 strong crew in two birth cabins.

How big is Pioneering Spirit compared to the Ever Given?

The Pioneering Spirit is more than 77 metres longer (including stinger and tilting lifting beams) and 65 metres wider than the Ever Given. It also has almost twice the gross tonnage.

How much can the ship lift?

The giant Swiss-owned Pioneering Spirit can lift up to 48,000 tonne topsides.

You can read more about the Pioneering Spirit's history on the One Step Power website

Related topics:LancashireMorecambe Bay

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