June 18 - Leading marine contractor Dockwise has despatched its semi-submersible heavy lift ship Mighty Servant 3 to the clean-up operation in the Gulf of Mexico.

The 27,270 dwt, 180 m Mighty Servant 3 has been outfitted in Galveston, Texas with an assortment of equipment focused on the collection of oil-saturated solid material and oily water.

Equipped with long reach excavating equipment and a stern mounted skimming system, the Mighty Servant 3 will serve a two-fold purpose as part of the co-ordinated clean-up effort: the long-reach excavators will be able to collect solid debris that is saturated with oil, with the debris being collected and stored in a large containment area on the vessel's extensive deck, while the skimming system will collect oil and then transfer it to a tank barge working alongside the ship. The ship will work in co-ordination with other smaller vessels assisting in the clean-up.

Dockwise is working in association with T&T International Fire & Salvage, and BP.