Naming a superlative
Xenos Marine recently named its newly-acquired ship, the TX-10,000. It has a deadweight capacity of 10,000 t and was involved in the famed dismantling of the Golden Ray, which capsized in 2019.
At the end of March Xenos Marine named the TX-10,000 – its newly-acquired “marvel of heavy-duty technology.” In December 2024 Xenos, a joint venture between Matt Fish and the Teichman Group, acquired the vessel, which is the largest heavylift ship ever built in the United States of America, according to the new owners. The naming ceremony took place in the south, in Galveston TX.
Equipped for shallow and deep waters
“The TX-10,000 is a true marvel of technology that performs ultra-demanding heavylift operations safely and efficiently,” according to Kevin Teichman, CEO of the Teichman Group.
According to him, the vessel is known as one of the largest of its kind and has already participated in over 250 offshore platform installations and decommissioning projects. The ship is designed to carry 10,000 t. In offshore operation, the carrying capacity is limited to 7,500 t due to pontoon restrictions. Eight 1,000 hp engines distributed over two barges propel the ship in the water.
With a backup system that has the ‘Dynamic Positioning 3’ rating (DP3), it can maintain its position to within less than 1 m, regardless of water depths.
Operations in shallower waters are also made possible by an eight-point mooring system. Furthermore, the heavylift vessel has two helipads and a control house.
Part of a historical dismantling team
According to the company, Xenos Marine boss Matt Fish has overseen all operational and logistical aspects since the ship was built. He already did the same with the predecessor model, the VB-4,000.
Regarding these activities, Fish says that “it was a uniquely enriching experience to be involved with this incredible unit as well as its smaller predecessor.” As a former Marine Special Operator he understands the importance of preparation, problem-solving and teamwork.
“Unrestricted operations”
According to Xenos the dismantling by T&T Salvage of the Golden Ray, a 660 ft car transporter that capsized off the Georgia coast in 2019 with about 4,300 vehicles on board, is considered one of the TX-10,000’s “remarkable achievements.”
The newly-named ship sails under the US flag and thus complies with all of the requirements of the Jones Act, “which allows it unrestricted operations in US waters,” according to the shipping line. In the meantime the vessel has reached its base at Sabine Pass.