In 2005, the Dutch company Fairstar Heavy Transport acquired the Norwegian heavy transport ocean going deck cargo barges BOABARGE 19 and BOABARGE 20, both built by the Chinese Jinling Shipyard at Changjing Natio. With a deadweight of respectively 28 836 and 23 288 ton, the submersible barges belonged to the world's largest.
Both barges are converted into self-propelled semi-submersible heavy transport vessels. The contract for the conversions was awarded to Malta Shipyards in La Valletta. For this purpose, the vessels are equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system with three diesel generator sets, electrically driven steerable thrusters, accommodation for a complement of 33 persons and all required auxiliaries, safety, navigation and communication equipment to be registered as a Heavy Cargo Carrier.
The BOABARGE 19 has been renamed FJORD, while the BOABARGE 20 will sail the seven seas as FJELL.
| Principal dimensions before conversion | FJORD | FJELL |
| Length between perpendiculars | 141.92 m | 141.92 m |
| Breadth, moulded | 45.50 m | 36.00 m |
| Depth, moulded | 9.00 m | 9.00 m |
| Draught, fully loaded | 7.05 m | 6.99 m |
| Draught, fully submerged | 21.00 m | 21.00 m |
| Capacity | ||
| Deadweight |
28 836 ton |
23 288 ton |
| Maximum lifting capacity at 9.00 m draught | 40 900 ton | 33 400 ton |
| Deck area | 5 870 m² | 4.650 m² |
| Principal dimensions after conversion | FJORD | FJELL |
| Length between perpendiculars | 157.80 m | 137.00 m |
| Breadth, moulded | 45.50 m | 36.00 m |
| Depth, moulded | 9.00 m | 9.00 m |
| Draught, fully loaded | 6.26 m | 6.58 m |
| Draught, fully submerged | 20.00 m | 19.00 m |
| Capacity | ||
| Deadweight |
24 500 ton |
19 300 ton |
| Deck load | 25 ton/m² | 25 ton/m² |
| Service speed | >12 kn | >12 kn |
