Massive construction vessel docks in Tampa

Massive construction vessel docks in Tampa The Deep Blue, a massive construction vessel believed to the largest of its kind in the world, was in Tampa this week for repair work at Tampa Bay Shipbuilding and Repair Co.

The Deep Blue, believed to be the world's largest, purpose-built ultra-deepwater pipelay and construction vessel, visited Tampa for repairs at Tampa Bay Shipbuilding and Repair Co.

   The 668-foot-long ship, with a draft of 50,000 tons, has a pipelay system that allows it to lay flowlines, umbilicals and support developments in water depths ranging from 256 feet to 8,202 feet, according to Port of Tampa officials.
   The sight of this vessel is very impressive,' said Bill Hind, general manager of Tampa Bay Shipbuilding and Repair. 'We build 80 new dock blocks for this very heavy ship.'
   Port director Richard Wainio added: 'It's very exciting to see a ship of this type here in Tampa. It's a testimony to the continued importance of Tampa as a major ship repair center.'