5th July 2019 – Freeport, Grand Bahama:
Today, the internationally certified Freeport Harbour will receive the BOKA Vanguard, known as the world’s largest semi-submersible ship, for the historical dry-dock operation of a cruise ship, the Carnival Vista (CCL Vista).

The BOKA Vanguard will berth at the Grand Bahama Shipyard to prepare for the arrival of the CCL Vista, scheduled to arrive anchorage at Freeport Harbour on Friday, 12th July 2019. On Saturday, 13th July 2019, the BOKA Vanguard will load the CCL Vista at anchorage, and return to the Shipyard for dry docking operation of the CCL Vista. This is the first-time that an operation such as this has been attempted anywhere in the world and it is also noted that it is the longest vessel that the Vanguard has ever lifted.

Godfrey Smith, CEO, Hutchison Port FHC shared, “This is an exciting time for the Freeport Harbour as this initiative will make history as the first operation of its kind. It substantiates the fact that Freeport Harbour, the deepest man-made harbour in the region and home to world-class tenants, has the capacity to handle the world’s most innovative projects.”

Built in 2016, the CCL Vista is the second largest cruise ship in the Carnival fleet, with a capacity of up to 6,166 passengers and crew. The BOKA Vanguard ship has an impressive track record of transporting large vessels and other marine structures and acts as a floating offshore dry dock facility.

The BOKA Vanguard is unique in that it has an open and flat stern and bow-less deck measuring 275 meters by 70 meters allowing the vessel to lift and transport cargo that is longer and wider than these deck dimensions. By filling its ballast tanks, the ship deck is submerged in a controlled manner, allowing it to lift deep draught cargo. This creates an alternative for dry-docking allowing inspections and repairs to be safely and efficiently conducted at a location where traditional dry dock alternatives are not available.

With international certifications including, ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code) – Security; US Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) – a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) voluntary trade partnership program; ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System; ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System; and OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health & Safety Management System, Freeport Harbour continues to be a leader in the region and hub of the Americas.

Capt. Orlando Forbes, Port Director, Hutchison Port FHC added, “We, at the Freeport Harbour, are delighted that we can accommodate such an important project. The people of Grand Bahama Island, and indeed The Bahamas, should be proud of this historic event taking place in our waters.”

Notes to editors:
Situated only 65 miles from Florida, Freeport Container Port (FCP) is the natural transshipment hub for the Eastern seaboard of the Americas and the principal East/West Line Haul routes through the region.

Hutchison Ports is the port and related services division of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (CK Hutchison). Hutchison Ports is the world’s leading port investor, developer and operator with a network of port operations in 51 ports spanning 26 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia. Over the years, Hutchison Ports has expanded into other logistics and transportation-related businesses, including cruise ship terminals, airport operations, distribution centres, rail services and ship repair facilities.

In 2017, Hutchison Ports handled a combined throughput of 84.7 million TEU.