Fjord conversion

In 2005, the Dutch company Fairstar Heavy Transport acquired the Norwegian heavy lift ocean going deck cargo barges Boabarge 19 and Boabarge 20, both built by the Chinese Jinling Shipyard at Changjing Natio. With a deadweight of respectively 28 836 and 23 288 ton, the submersible barges belong to world's largest. Both barges are converted into semi-submersible heavy transport vessels.

The contract for the conversions was awarded to Malta Shipyards in La Valletta. Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam had a substantial role in the design and basic engineering of the conversion. 

Conversion FJORD

The conversion comprised of a lengthening of the hull by 12 metres, fitting of a bulbous bow, installation of thrusters, fabrication of an accommodation and bridge module, installation of a diesel-electric power plant and other small modifications. The Boabarge 19 has been renamed FJORD. FJORD entered service in March 2008.