April 9 (SeeNews) - Croatian industrial group DIV, owner of local Brodosplit shipyard, said that its Norwegian shipyard Kleven Verft has completed the upgrade of a massive semi-submersible barge and delivered it to its client - Norway's Boa Barges.
Following the upgrade, the width of the barge has increased to 60.4 metres from 36 metres, while its carrying capacity has reached 30,200 tonnes, DIV Group said in a statement on Wednesday.
In addition, eight new buoyancy towers have been installed on the barge, while the two existing deck houses have been expanded by some 12 meters, the statement read, adding that thus the barge dubbed Boabarge 33, has become one of the largest in the world.
The upgrade has also expanded the deck to cover some 5,800 square metres, specifically built to serve Boa Barges' business engagement in the transportation and float-off of concrete caissons for the construction of the breakwater for the near-shore LNG Hub Marine Terminal for BP’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Field Development at the border between Senegal and Mauritania.
DIV Group announced the acquisition of Kleven in January, saying the Norwegian shipyard and its Croatian peer Brodosplit will be able to create positive synergies in all segments, including the design and construction of hulls and equipment, which will lead to lower construction and financing costs, and will raise profitability.
DIV Group is an affiliation of up to 55 companies involved in shipbuilding, steel structure solutions, diesel and LNG-powered engine manufacturing, casting, railway infrastructure, and custom design mechanical parts, among others. It employs more than 3,000 people in 30 countries across the world.