Dockwise was formed in 1993 through a merger between Wijsmuller Heavy Transport and Dock Express Shipping.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?

Also in 2007, Dockwise acquired two design and engineering companies and was listed on the Oslo Stock exchange.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?

The Dockwise Vanguard, previously referred to as the Type-O design, is the largest and most advanced heavy lift vessel ever built.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?

The Vanguard will have 50% greater lifting capacity and 70% greater deck area than the largest heavy lift ship now in service, the Blue Marlin, also owned by Dockwise, which can lift 73, 000 tonnes.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?

In 2001, Dockwise merged with Offshore Heavy Transport.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?

The Vanguard, the Blue Marlin and the rest of the Dockwise fleet are ships designed to carry other ships, drilling rigs or anything else too large or heavy to be easily transported on a conventional ship.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?

In 2007 Dockwise merged with Sealift Ltd.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?

Dockwise itself has also undergone major changes.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?

The new Dockwise Vanguard will give the firm the ability to transport even larger and heavier cargoes, including entire Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs.) The Dockwise Vanguard is expected to be delivered toward the end of 2012.

FORBES: Will the Vanguard Semi-Submersible Ultra Heavy Lift Ship Keep Dockwise Afloat?