Enormous high-tech transport vessel finds safe harbour at Port of Sydney
A massive vessel has been attracting the attention of residents in Cape Breton for months as it docks at the Port of Sydney. The White Marlin, a high-tech, semi-submersible, heavy-lift transport vessel owned by Boskalis, has been making waves in the renewable energy industry.
At a recent Sydney Port Days event, Blair MacDougall, founder and director of Waterford Engineering Services Inc., provided insights into the vessel’s presence in the port and its connection to renewable energy projects. The White Marlin is currently transporting an offshore substation belonging to Orsted, a Danish renewable energy company.
Built in 2015, the White Marlin measures 217 meters in length, 63 meters in width, and has a 10-meter draft. The offshore substation, initially intended for an Orsted wind project off the coast of Rhode Island, faced structural issues that necessitated a temporary docking solution. MacDougall highlighted Sydney’s harbor as an ideal location due to its deep water, sheltered conditions, flat land access, and robust wharf structures.
Waterford Engineering Services is overseeing the maintenance of the substation while it awaits deployment, expected to take place by the end of the year. During its stay in Sydney, the vessel is expected to make significant contributions to the local economy through the purchase of essential supplies such as electrical equipment and fuel.
The presence of the White Marlin in the Port of Sydney underscores the city’s growing role in the renewable energy sector. With its strategic location and infrastructure capabilities, Sydney is poised to play a significant role in supporting future renewable energy projects. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
