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Four RTGs moved from Nhava Sheva to Mundra for heavy lift jobs

EXPRESS Global Logistics (EGL), a member to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) in India, was given the job of shipping four units of RTGs from Mumbai's Nhava Sheva to Mundra, 517 nautical miles north by barge.

The sheer dimensions of 25.27 metres long by 11.94 metres wide by 25.1 metres high with a total weight of 535 tonnes were challenging to achieve a proper stowage, roll-on/off and vessel stability, reported the American Journal of Transportation.

First, the engineering team had to achieve stowage on a barge with limited space on deck. Then, the marine team had to ensure seaworthiness for such a heavy and high centre of gravity load.

In compliance with regulations, and after series of meetings of stakeholders including the customer, port officials, marine warranty surveyors and customers appointed third party inspectors, a plan was sketched out defining what had to be done at each stage.

EGL was faced with a tidal range of more than four metres at Nhava Sheva and six metres. The barge maintained sufficient pumps to meet these tidal variations by ballasting and de-ballasting.

"Roll-on and roll-off of the RTGs was perfectly carried out by maintaining the barge at the same level as the jetty. The gap of 3.5 metres between the jetty and the barge was bridged by a steel ramp, designed and tested for the purpose," said the report.

Sea fastening was done in accordance with the Cargo Securing Manual for the vessel and was subject to grilling discussion and requirements of marine warranty surveyors and inspectors.

The resultiing plan was supported with calculations and weather forecasts for the voyage. Continuous monitoring of the weather en-route and passage planning for the barge was done to ensure safe voyage and arrival at Mundra.

All four RTGs were safely handed over to customer at Mundra after roll off in record two tides.