As a maritime expert with a keen interest in the history of shipbuilding, I am often asked about the largest ships ever constructed. The Seawise Giant, also known as the Happy Giant, Jahre Viking, and Knock Nevis, is widely recognized as the largest ship ever built. This Ultra Large Crude Carrier, or ULCC, was a marvel of engineering and a testament to human ingenuity.

The Seawise Giant was constructed in the late 1970s by Sumitomo Heavy Industries in Japan. It was initially ordered by a Greek shipping magnate but was later sold to a Japanese company due to the oil crisis. The ship's primary purpose was to transport vast quantities of crude oil, which it did with remarkable efficiency.

The ship's dimensions are staggering. With a length of 458 meters, a beam of 68.8 meters, and a height that could accommodate 23 layers of containers, it was a behemoth in the maritime world. The displacement of the Seawise Giant was an impressive 657,019 tons, making it the heaviest self-propelled vessel ever constructed. Its draft of 81 feet, or 24.6 meters, was also a significant figure, indicating the depth of water it needed to operate effectively.

The Seawise Giant was powered by a steam turbine engine, which was capable of propelling the ship at a speed of up to 16.5 knots. This speed, while not the fastest, was more than adequate for its intended purpose of transporting oil over long distances.

Throughout its service life, the Seawise Giant underwent several name changes and ownership transfers. It was initially named Seawise University when it was launched but was renamed Happy Giant after being sold to a Japanese company. Later, it was renamed Jahre Viking and Knock Nevis under different ownerships.

The ship's operational history was not without incident. In 1988, it was attacked by Iraqi forces during the Iran-Iraq War and was severely damaged. However, it was repaired and returned to service, a testament to its resilience and the importance of its role in the global oil transportation network.

In 2009, after more than three decades of service, the Knock Nevis was retired. It was eventually sold for scrap to Indian shipbreakers in 2009, marking the end of an era for this colossal vessel.

The Seawise Giant, or Knock Nevis, as it was last known, will always hold a special place in maritime history. It was not just the largest ship ever built, but also a symbol of the progress and capabilities of human engineering. Its legacy continues to inspire those who work in the maritime industry and serves as a reminder of our ability to create and operate on a truly grand scale.

read more >>

Oil Tanker - Mont (Knock Nevis, Jahre Viking, Happy Giant, Seawise Giant) ... Container Ship - CSCL Globe. ... Platform installation/decommissioning and pipelay vessel Pieter Schelte. ... Bulk Carrier - MS Vale Brasil. ... Cruiser - Oasis Class Cruise Ships. ... LNG Carrier - Q-Max Ships. ... Ocean Liner - RMS Queen Mary 2.read more >>