China's deepest-operating jack-up vessel. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

The construction on China's deepest-operating jack-up vessel, featuring the longest legs in its class, has entered a key stage, as its world's largest pile shoes were commissioned at Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Qidong Marine Engineering in Qidong, a county-level city of Nantong, on April 8.

The four pile shoes now being built are the largest ever made. Each one is 9.5 meters tall, 17 m long, and 16 m wide. About 60 percent of the steel used is a special type — more than any similar structure before. The pile shoe is a key part of the vessel's leg, helping to ensure stability and safety in complex deep-sea conditions.

Designed for unlimited ocean navigation, the vessel is equipped with a 142-m leg, the longest of its kind in China, and a 1,600-tonne revolving crane. It can operate at depths of up to 90 m and lift loads to a height of 210 m above deck.

The fully electric vessel has four azimuth thrusters and a DP2 dynamic positioning system, allowing it to do rescue and salvage work in rough seas. It can also be used for carrying and installing equipment for offshore wind farms, repairing platforms, and crew support, making it a versatile vessel for various offshore jobs.

From China's longest legs to the world's largest pile shoes, the vessel continues to set new records for the country's offshore engineering industry. Qidong's role in building the giant pile shoes is a testament to the county-level city's strong shipbuilding capabilities, while helping China become a stronger maritime nation.