17.06.2026 07:20
SAIPEM 7000, the world's third largest semi-submersible crane vessel used in natural gas pipeline works, passed through the Bosphorus. The strait was closed to vessel traffic in both directions for the safe passage of the giant ship traveling from Libya to Romania.
The world's third largest semi-submersible crane vessel, SAIPEM 7000, used in natural gas pipeline laying operations, has passed through the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
The giant vessel, flying the Bahamas flag and bound for Constanța Port in Romania from Bouri Port in Libya, entered the Bosphorus around 06:00 in the morning.
BOSPHORUS TRAFFIC CLOSED DURING TRANSIT
Tugboats from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety escorted the vessel for its safe passage. The Bosphorus was closed to two-way ship traffic during the passage.
DRAWS ATTENTION WITH ITS MASSIVE SIZE
SAIPEM 7000, capable of laying pipelines in waters deeper than 2 thousand meters, can lift up to 14 thousand tons at once thanks to its twin crane system.
The vessel, measuring 198 meters in length, 135 meters in height, and 117,812 gross tons, is considered among the world's largest engineering ships.