Namibia: World's largest self-propelled floating crane calls at Walvis Bay harbour

World's largest self-propelled floating crane calls at Walvis Bay, Namibia

The largest semi-submersible crane vessel (SSCV) in the world, the SSCV Sleipnir moored at Walvis Bay last week for a two-day lay-over to undergo prescribed inspections and procedures before continuing its journey to the Grand Isle oilfield in the United States.

The US$1.5 billion SSCV Sleipnir is owned and operated by Heerema Marine Contractors. It was built by Sempcorp Marine in Singapore and commissioned in 2019. In 2022 it set a world record by lifting a 17,000-tonnes structure for TotalEnergies onto the base of one of its rigs in the North Sea.

The Panama-registered vessel docked at the Port of Walvis Bay anchorage on 11 January 2024 where it underwent essential procedures, including a quick rundown and provisionals facilitated through a launch, crew change, and bunkering via STS (Ship-to-Ship).

The SSCV Sleipnir propulsion system eliminates the need for tugs to maneuver her across the high seas.

Logistics Support Services is the vessel’s Walvis agent and following this initial call, SSCV Sleipnir is expected to make a second call at the Port of Walvis Bay later this year.

“Namport looks forward to a successful partnership with SSCV Sleipnir and reaffirms its commitment to facilitate efficient and seamless maritime operations in the region.” The authority said it remains committed to play a pivotal role in maritime trade and operations contributing to the economic growth and development of Namibia.

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Namibia’s largest oil discoveries

Namibia’s largest oil discoveries may help double GDP by 2040

Namibia expects its biggest oil discoveries since independence to help double its economy by 2040.

TotalEnergies SE in February said it had made a “significant” oil discovery off the coast of Namibia, three weeks after Shell Plc announced a find off the south-west African nation. Explorers have drilled more than a dozen exploration wells in search of oil and gas. Consultants Wood Mackenzie estimated the combined recoverable finds at almost 4 billion barrels.

“More than 30 years of exploration and we finally we hit the jackpot,” Comalie said in the interview at the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum, without giving a timeline for production. “At peak, these two discoveries could bring $5.6 billion to a very small economy.” TotalEnergies and Shell executives have warned that the discoveries still await an appraisal stage to accurately determine their size.

The $11-billion economy is banking on the discoveries to boost its budget and create more jobs in a nation with one of the world’s largest unemployment rates. With countries and companies pledging to hit their net zero targets around 2050, Namibia has about a decade to develop and make the most of the recent finds. 

The oil and gas industry is also known for lengthy developments, particularly in areas that don’t have established infrastructure. In Uganda, development of major oil reserves first discovered in 2006 has only just started and the crude won’t reach international markets until 2025. Namibia plans on reaching production by 2028 if the process is accelerated.

The country also sees a “massive opportunity” in green hydrogen, Comalie said. Green bonds are being considered to fund projects that use renewable energy to produce hydrogen for export.

Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Investment Authority and Investment Promotion Agency Qatar are the underwriters of the Qatar Economic Forum. Media City Qatar is the host organization.

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