A huge crude oil tanker named FALCON is successfully docked at the wharf of the Qidong Branch of COSCO Shipping Group March 16. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

A huge crude oil tanker named FALCON, weighing 300,000 metric tons, docked at the wharf of the Qidong Branch of COSCO Shipping Group March 16. It is the largest and heaviest vessel to pass through the north secondary fairway of the Yangtze River estuary. 

The vessel, which is 333 meters long, 58 m wide and as tall as a 10-storey building, is expected to be turned into a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel after a two-year $174 million transformation.

After the transformation, the vessel will be able to carry 159 million liters of crude oil at one time and will be on service at an oil field in Brazil. 

Because of its large size, it is difficult to ensure a smooth docking process. Several patrol boats were dispatched to provide support, preventing vessels which are not involved from entering the relevant area. 

For COVID-19 epidemic prevention, workers on the vessel were asked to take health tests and record their travel history. With the help of Nantong municipal bureau of maritime affairs, the travel history of people on the vessel in the previous 14 days was checked. 

In addition, the bureau opened a green channel for the vessel to help it deal quickly with the relevant procedures, saving docking time.

According to Li Dawei, director of Qidong's marine department, the successful docking of FALCON has set a good example of joint efforts of local departments and played a significant role in the development of the city's port-centered industry.