Pioneering Spirit: Largest construction vessel in world captured on camera during major operation in Forth

Many, including David Collins and Brian Finch, caught the event on camera when the Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit travelled across the Forth to transfer its cargo of a topside drilling platform to the 200-metre long cargo barge, Iron Lady, on Saturday.

The Pioneering Spirit – 382 metres long and 124 metres wide – was specifically designed for the single-lift installation and removal of large offshore platforms.

On Sunday afternoon, the Iron Lady and its cargo will disengage from the Pioneering Spirit and will be towed by Forth Ports’ tugs, under all three Forth crossings to the Port of Rosyth.

Dunfermline man Brian Finch caught the Pioneering Spirit vessel on camera as it travelled across the Forth yesterday. Pic: Brian Finch.

The Iron Lady will be moored at the Port of Rosyth for approximately six weeks, after which it is scheduled to depart for the Energy Park Fife, in Methil, where its cargo will be unloaded before its decommissioning.

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