Bedeschi Shiploader

Cargo

Shiploader (dims: dims: 22.8 m x 24.4 m x 36.9 m, gross weight: 320 mt)

Overview

In the fall of 2015, US Ocean’s M/V Ocean Globe completed the carriage of a mammoth sized Bedeschi shiploader from Porto Marghera (Venice, Italy) to its new home at Voestalpine’s Direct Reduction plant in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Globe was ideal for the project because her cranes are equipped with a high lifting capacity and operating range. These were essential criteria to safely load and discharge the main body, as well as to complete the assembly process at the port of discharge. This project was featured on the Discovery Channel show, Mega Shippers (Season 1, Episode 3).

Location: Porto Marghera, Italy to Corpus Christi, Texas
Duration: Fall 2015
Client: UTC
Vessel: M/V Ocean Globe

Planning

Roughly 300 man hours went in to planning this particular project, while 40 man hours were required for both the load and discharge. Technical, Operations and Commercial personnel all contributed to the development of the transportation plan. Every minute detail required critical attention to mitigate the potential risk of accidents. Ultimately, the project was completed safely, economically, and on schedule.

Challenges

A custom-made lifting arrangement was used to give the cranes’ hooks enough clearance due to the exceptional height of the shiploader. This extreme height also increased forces on the load.

These were overcome by using an intricate securing plan that included a web of lashing wires and turnbuckles. The main body and the boom section were transported separately, so the ship’s cranes were required to reassemble the shiploader at the dock in Corpus Christi. The ship’s cranes were used in tandem to complete the assembly.

US Ocean welcomes challenges and opportunities like these to showcase the diverse capabilities of our multi-purpose fleet and our US Merchant Mariners.

Cargo

Overview

Planning

Challenges

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