Essentially a vessel in its own right, the Seaspan Careen is capable of lifting 30,000 tons and is designed to sink 11 metres below sea level before tugs guide ships into position. Once vessels are secured, the dock rises back to the surface, exposing hulls for inspection and repair.

After decades of continuous service, its deck, made from traditional steel plate, was showing signs of fatigue. That’s where SPS came in.

Beginning in 2023, Marine Offshore Management (MOM), with support from SPS Technology engineers, has undertaken multiple reinstatements on the Careen‘s main deck, the largest covering 549 m² [5,910 ft²]. In total, over 4,400 m² [47,360 ft²] of Sandwich Plate System has been used on this vital floating dry dock. 

Floating dry docks, such as the Seaspan Careen, often operate in some of the harshest conditions, including continuous exposure to salt water, heavy mechanical loads, and highly variable temperatures.

Nearly thirty years ago, engineers designed SPS for exactly these types of environments. Its sandwich structure of steel-elastomer-steel provides high impact resistance and fatigue performance, exceeding that of conventional steel.

Whether it’s in Vancouver Harbour or in the middle of the Arctic Circle, SPS proves its worth where conditions are toughest!