Bob is one of SpaceX’s two new multi-purpose recovery ships. Alongside identical sister ship Doug, the two are designed for both fairing and booster recovery operations.
Bob was converted from a former platform supply ship – a kind of mini cargo ship designed to serve offshore platforms – from May to August 2021 in Louisiana. Construction work was almost finished on Bob when Hurricane Ida hit Port Fourchon on August 29th, 2021, where Bob was docked. The ship endured sustained winds of 155 mph. Visual damage appeared to be limited to several damaged antennas. Bob sailed to Tampa for repairs, ultimately arriving at Port Canaveral for service in October 2021.
Vital Statistics
Owner: SpaceX
Operator: SpaceX (Previously Edison Chouest Offshore)
Year Built: 2009
IMO: 9529695
Length: 85m
Width: 18m
Joined SpaceX Fleet: 2021
Good morning Bob!
— Julia Bergeron 🚢🚀 (@julia_bergeron) September 5, 2021
I decided to take a morning adventure to visit Tampa and check out multi-purpose ship Bob, which is twin to Doug. They arrived yesterday from Fourchon where recovery is ongoing from Hurricane Ida. The docks at Port Canaveral are going to be very full! pic.twitter.com/Ck8NqCIsYQ