UPDATE: Have you missed the arrival of the Pioneering Spirit? Don't worry: we have a movie. 



Allseas’ heavy lift vessel, the Pioneering Spirt sailed on Aug. 17th to the port of Vlissingen. This offshore vessel is shaped like a gigantic catamaran.

The Pioneering Spirit is 382 meters long and 124 meters wide the total width is 148 meters. She is loaded incoming with two jack-ups and has a draft of 120 dm and a height above the waterline of 110 meters.

Because this vessel has such exceptional dimensions, the Joint Nautical Authority takes traffic-regulating measures in close consultation with the actors involved: both pilotages, the ports and the shipping company Allseas. The Pioneering Spirit must not be hindered by other shipping on the sea route, the Westerschelde and in the Sloehaven.

There will be two pilots on board, visibility must be 2000 meters and the incoming voyage will take place in daylight.

All nautical chain partners involved have been informed and a BASS has been issued. The nuisance for other shipping is not great, but traffic regulation is taken, because there is no passage at certain points and when entering the port. These matters have been discussed, a sailing plan has been drawn up and on the day itself the ports have to take this into account in their planning.