The Salvage method

The salvage method that is proposed by SMIT Salvage BV for turning the vessel, which now lies up side down, is exceptional for a vessel of ROCKNES' size.

Wires will slowly pull the ‘Rocknes', with her length of 166 meter and a weight of approximately 9000 tons, 180 degrees around to an upright position. The wires are connected to the vessel's bottom structure from where they pass under the ‘Rocknes', surface again on the portside of the vessel and lead to winches placed on two barges. The barges, which are moored in the bay, are specially outfitted for the operation.

Total pulling capacity needed for the operation is minimum 3000 tons divided over 8 winches. An additional hoisting barge will contribute with another 900 tons lifting capacity. This challenging operation will be performed at the CCB yard in Agotnes, where the ‘Rocknes' is currently being prepared.

Before the actual parbuckling is started, the vessel will be secured at her starboard side by means of hold back wires connected to 12 rock anchors each drilled 12 meters down into the rock structure of the jetty. On the portside the ‘Rocknes' will be connected to two pull-barges and a floating hoisting barge.

Winches that are mounted on the barges will then pull into the opposite shore where strongpoints have been installed, also by means of the rock anchor technique.

Assisted by the floating hoisting barge, the ship will be forced into a rotating movement and eventually be pulled into an upright position.

In order to facilitate the parbuckling process, the vessel's starboard side tanks will be ballasted and her portside tanks will be pressurized with air. Following the laws of physics, the starboard side tanks will lose buoyancy and sink while the port side tanks will rise. In addition the starboard tanks will now be able to resist the water pressure when the tanks reach the rotating depth of approximately 20 meters.