Höegh Autoliners has broken a record for transporting the heaviest breakbulk unit shipped by a RoRo vessel from India. The 107.4 MT Generator was loaded in Ennore and will be used in a Power Generation Plant Project in Spain.
Specialized equipment to handle heavy breakbulk
Due to the concentrated weight and size ratio of the breakbulk unit, the Höegh Autoliners’ Operations team were put to the test. This was the single heaviest breakbulk unit handled so far on any RoRo vessel in India. Last year, the team had successfully transported a massive 94.3MT Mill Shell from Mumbai to Dakar.
With extensive experience in transporting heavy breakbulk cargo and a fleet of handling equipment to meet the task, the team quickly came up with a solution to use Höegh Autoliners 30 feet rolltrailer which is specially designed to transport heavy cargo up to 160MT.
Experience is critical
Höegh Autoliners’ team visited the customer’s factory to inspect the cargo and prepare a technical evaluation for handling the sensitive cargo. A solution was then developed by the Operations team for stuffing the cargo on to the rolltrailer. By rolling the breakbulk cargo on board the vessel, it reduces the risk of damage compared to lifting, ensuring a smoother and safer transport option.
Ensuring a safe voyage
Under the supervision of Höegh’s Port Captain, the heavy breakbulk unit was stuffed securely on to Höegh Autoliners’ rolltrailer and loaded on board the vessel. Once inside, the Generator was securely lashed on the main deck by an experienced cargo handling team, in accordance to Höegh’s detailed method statement. Stowing the cargo underdeck also ensures the sensitive cargo would not be exposed to seawater during the entire sea journey to Barcelona.
Atuldutt Sharma, Breakbulk Sales Manager in India says, “The customer was very pleased with our solution, as it provided them with a safe and cost effective transportation option for their sensitive cargo. With the successful shipment, it is another example of how we use our team of experts specialised in handling complex breakbulk and project cargo to get the job done.”
Source: Höegh Autoliners