Local
Heavy-Lift Vessel Arrives in Galveston for Maintenance

As a proud Galvestonian, it’s always exciting to see our island at the center of major maritime projects, and the arrival of the XT-10000 is no exception. This engineering marvel, the largest heavy-lift vessel ever built in the United States, docked at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair for mandatory dry dock maintenance. The ship’s presence here highlights Galveston’s role in the world of cutting-edge maritime innovation.
A Marvel of Engineering
The XT-10000 is a tandem-hull vessel unlike any other. Measuring 297 feet long and 310 feet wide, it’s almost spherical in shape, with metal scaffolding towering 250 feet into the sky. Its most eye-catching features are the two massive claws capable of lifting a staggering 10,000 tons. These claws, each 130 feet tall and weighing 1,000 tons, can open up to 180 feet wide, making them the largest of their kind in the world. They’re built to hoist ships and other massive structures from depths of up to 350 feet—imagine a giant toy claw machine but on an industrial scale.
The vessel made its mark in history by playing a pivotal role in the removal of the M/V Golden Ray, a 660-foot car carrier that capsized off the coast of Georgia in 2019. Using its claws, the XT-10000 helped dismantle the wreck, cutting it into eight sections with the cars and cargo still inside. This was the largest wreck removal operation in U.S. history, completed in September 2021.
Local Expertise Meets Global Innovation
Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair has taken on this unique project with enthusiasm. According to General Manager Craig Marston, the company’s extensive experience with specialty vessels will come in handy, even though this is their first time working on a heavy-lift vessel of this scale. Recent projects include repairs to the high-end cruise ship Scenic Eclipse and the ongoing $35 million restoration of the Battleship Texas.
“The dual hulls make the work complicated for standard dry docks,” Marston explained. Gulf Copper plans to lift one hull at a time for maintenance, repainting, and repairs, turning the vessel around midway through the process.
The Teichman Connection
The XT-10000’s presence in Galveston is thanks to the Teichman family’s Xenos Marine company, which acquired the vessel in December. This isn’t the Teichmans’ first involvement with the ship. TCM, a Teichman Group affiliate, originally bought the vessel in 2020 before transferring ownership to Xenos Marine, a joint venture between the Teichman family and Matt Fish, managing director of Xenos. Fish has been involved with the vessel since its construction and previously oversaw operations for its predecessor, the VB-4000.
A Future in Offshore Innovation
Over the next six to eight weeks, Gulf Copper’s team will repaint the vessel’s pontoons, remove and service all its thrusters, and perform other routine maintenance required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Once the work is complete, the XT-10000 will return to its home base in Sabine Pass, resuming its critical role in offshore platform installations and decommissioning projects. To date, the vessel has completed more than 250 such operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Teichmans’ T&T Salvage, another family company, continues to lead the charge in maritime innovation. Their experience and commitment to excellence have ensured the XT-10000 remains a vital asset for offshore industries. Kelly Teichman, Executive Chairwoman of T&T, summed it up best: “With its unparalleled capabilities and proven track record, the XT-10000 is set to play a vital role in future offshore projects.”
Why It Matters to Galveston
For Galveston, hosting the XT-10000 is a point of pride. It’s a testament to our island’s importance as a hub for maritime innovation and expertise. The ship’s arrival brings jobs, showcases local talent, and reinforces our connection to global industry. So the next time you are near the harbor, take a moment to appreciate the incredible engineering and teamwork happening right here on our shores. It’s one more reason to be proud of being from Galveston.


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