Xenos Marine has christened its heavy-lift vessel, TX-10,000, following its mandatory five-year drydock maintenance at the Gulf Copper Shipyard in Texas, US.
Claimed to be the “largest heavy-lift vessel ever built” in the US, TX-10,000 was originally constructed by Versabar in 2010 and changed hands to TCM, a Teichman Group affiliate, in 2020.
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Xenos Marine, a joint venture between Matt Fish and the Teichman Family, acquired the vessel, VB-10,000, in December 2024 and has now renamed it to reflect the new ownership.
Teichman Group CEO Kevin Teichman said: “The TX-10,000 is a true engineering marvel that performs ultra-heavy lifts safely and efficiently. After completing over 250 offshore platform installations and decommissioning projects, some of extraordinary note, it is known as one of the greatest heavy-lift vessels of all time.”
Measuring 297ft long, 310ft wide, and 250ft tall, with a 166ft span between its pontoons, this US-flagged and Jones Act-compliant vessel can undertake “unrestricted” operations in US waters.
The vessel’s gantry system has a lifting capacity of 10,000 tonnes; however, offshore operations are restricted to 7,500 tonnes due to limitations imposed by the pontoons.
It is equipped with a propulsion system featuring eight thrusters, each with a power output of 1,000 horsepower—four located on each barge.
Additionally, the vessel is outfitted with backup systems with a DP3 rating, enabling it to maintain its position within 3ft in unlimited water depths.
TX-10,000 is equipped with an eight-point anchoring system designed for shallow-water operations, two helidecks, and a control house located on the port pontoon, providing unobstructed views of all activities.
TX-10,000 is outfitted with 44 diesel engines, providing full redundancy and positioning it as a “reliable” asset for complex operations. It can also be fitted with two huge lifting claws, with each claw capable of lifting 3,000 tonnes individually or a combined total of 4,000 tonnes when both are used together.
These claws, touted as the “largest in the world”, can grasp structures at depths of up to 350ft. Each claw stands 130ft tall, opens to a width of 180ft, and weighs 1,000 tonnes.
One of its most significant accomplishments was its involvement in the “largest” wreck removal operation in US history: T&T Salvage’s dismantling of the Golden Ray, a 660-foot car carrier that capsized off St. Simons, Georgia, in 2019, carrying 4,300 vehicles on board.
Xenos principal Matt Fish has been responsible for overseeing the vessel’s operational and logistical management since its construction.
Fish said: “Being involved with this incredible asset, as well as its smaller predecessor, has been a uniquely rewarding experience.
“As a former Marine Special Operations Operator, I understand the importance of preparation, problem-solving, and teamwork. These principles guide the Xenos Marine team as we push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
With the christening ceremony concluded, the TX-10,000 vessel is set to return to its home base in Sabine Pass, Texas.
The vessel will prepare for the upcoming decommissioning season.
