Last week, Cooper Consolidated loaded the semi-submersible ship Blue Marlin with four lift boats in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Crescent Towing and Cooper/T. Smith Mooring were also on hand to provide assistance with a holding tug and linemen.

A semi-submersible vessel is supported by pontoons located beneath the water’s surface. Over the submersed pontoons are steel columns that support the vessel. These pontoons are ballasted, which makes it easy for large ships to achieve submersion and buoyancy. By pushing water out from the ballast tanks, the vessel’s height can be adjusted. The advantage of a semi-submersible ship is that it can haul large cargo. The cargo-carrying area of the ship is submerged under water. Once the cargo is onboard, the loading deck is raised up out of the water, and the vessel, along with the cargo, sails to its destination.