BOA has safely completed the load-out and launching of Wicher, the first of three frigates being constructed under Poland’s Miecznik programme at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna shipyard in Gdynia, Poland.
The operation represents the first of this scale in the Polish shipbuilding industry, with a frigate of this size launched by load-out and float-off using a semi-submersible barge, and marks the first of three launching operations contractedto BOA, with the two subsequent frigates scheduled for launching over the nexttwo years.
The Miecznik frigates will each have a displacement of about 6.000 tonnes, with a length of approx.140 metres and a beam of approx. 20 metres.
For the first launch operation, the semi-submersible barge BOABARGE 33, measuring 140 x57.05 x 8.54 m, was mobilized to Gdynia, Poland by the tug Multratug 3.The frigate was transported by SPMT’s provided by our subcontractors Sarens from the construction hall onto the semi-submersible barge.
Following completion of the load-out, BOABARGE 33 was shifted to the designated float-off location. The barge was submerged in a carefully controlled operation, allowing the frigate to safely float in the water for the first time.
Beyond providing the semi-submersible barge, main tug and SPMT’s, BOA delivered engineering, planning and operational management required for the complete launching operation.
By combining our specialized heavy-lift and semi-submersible barges with BOA’s in-house engineering capabilities and experienced operational personnel, BOA provides an integrated solution covering the operation from planning and engineering through load-out, shifting and launching operation.
With another two frigates to be launched over the next two years, BOA looks forward to continuing the cooperation with PGZ Stocznia Wojenna and thanks PGZ for the excellent cooperation throughout the project.
We would also like to thank Sarens for their valuable contribution to the successful load-out. This project builds on the long-standing and close cooperation between BOA and Sarens, combining our expertise in complex heavy transport and launching operations.
