Ep 2. MV Fairplayer

MV Fairplayer is the second episode of the second season of the documentary series Mighty Ships. This episode follows the story of a massive cargo ship that transports giant oil rigs across the ocean.

The episode starts with the construction of the MV Fairplayer, a vessel that can carry structures up to 25,000 tons. The ship is 216 meters long and weighs 50,000 tons. It is designed not only to carry oil rigs but also to lift them off the water and transport them to their final destination. The concept of the ship is to provide cheaper and safer transport for giant structures, which would otherwise be built on-site.

The crew of the MV Fairplayer is composed of people from all over the world. The ship is under the command of Captain Grygoriy Davydenko, who navigates the vessel through storms and avoids icebergs while making sure that the cargo remains safe.

The episode follows the crew on a mission to transport the heaviest oil rig ever built, weighing 13,000 tons, across the Atlantic Ocean. The journey starts in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and ends in Escravos, Nigeria, a journey of over 5,000 nautical miles.

Before the journey starts, the crew needs to lift the oil rig from the water and load it onto the ship. This process is hazardous and requires careful planning and coordination between the crew and the engineers. The crew uses two cranes on the ship to lift the oil rig from the water, a process that takes several hours.

Once the oil rig is securely fastened onto the ship, the crew starts its journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew needs to navigate through tight waterways as they exit the port, and they need to avoid other ships in the port and in the open sea.

The episode shows the crew going through rough seas, where they face 20-foot swells. The ship is designed to withstand rough weather, but it still requires skilful navigation from the crew. They need to ensure that the oil rig remains secure, and that the ship remains stable during the journey.

The crew also needs to consider the fuel consumption of the ship. The ship requires over 200 tons of fuel per day, and the journey takes over two weeks. The crew needs to calculate the most efficient route to arrive in Nigeria on time and with enough fuel.

The episode shows the crew going through the Panama Canal, a crucial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The crew needs to navigate through tight channels and avoid colliding with other ships.

Once the crew arrives in Nigeria, they need to unload the oil rig from the ship. This process is similar to the loading process, and requires careful coordination between the crew and the engineers.

The episode ends with the crew completing their mission successfully, having transported the heaviest oil rig ever built across the Atlantic Ocean. The ship and the crew successfully navigate through rough seas, tight waterways, and hazardous conditions to deliver the cargo safely to its final destination.

In conclusion, MV Fairplayer is a remarkable episode of the Mighty Ships series. The episode showcases the incredible capabilities of the ship, the skill of the crew, and the importance of the shipping industry in transporting vital resources around the world. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the shipping industry or those who enjoy documentaries.