Februari 2005: Dockwise applies SPOS for special transports

Last year, the heavy transport vessel Blue Marlin of Dockwise was converted to become the largest open-deck vessel of its kind in the world. This was done in order to handle the transport of the largest semi-submersible Thunder Horse (see picture). Needless to say that for such a transport, accurate and reliable weather information is of the greatest importance.

Dockwise has installed the SPOS weather forecasting and voyage planning software on this vessel, with a daily delivery of forecasts via e-mail. This system makes use of the accurate Bracknell forecasting model.

The master of the Blue Marlin gave the following feedback on the SPOS system:
"I would like to say that SPOS makes our life easier. The advantages of SPOS over the regular weather forecast systems are as follows:

1. Almost 100% confidence, that the weather forecast will be received on time.
2. Much higher resolution and quality, comparing with facsimile charts.
3. No "dead" zones - possible to choose any world region.
4. High level of obviousness. The situation is much easier to understand visually, rather than reading it in text.

Also the SPOS system makes Heading Control simpler."

Exactly two months, one intermediate bunker stop in Singapore, a relative quiet Cape passage and almost 16,000 nautical miles after her departure from Korea, the Blue Marlin arrived at Ingleside Texas, USA. At an average speed of 11 knots, she had managed to avoid typhoons in the Far East, winter storms around the Cape of Good Hope and hurricane Ivan in the Caribbean.