Right photos: ‘AAL Hong Kong’, loading three ASCs.
AAL Shipping (AAL) has been engaged in transporting heavy lift cranes and their components for various port and terminal development projects worldwide this spring. One notable operation involved the transportation of four 439-tonne Liebherr shore cranes from Shuaiba, Kuwait, to Haiphong, Vietnam, for the construction of a new dry dock facility. Another project included the shipment of six new Kalmar Automated Stacking Cranes (ASC) from Taicang and Shanghai to Melbourne, Australia, as part of a container terminal expansion program.
Four Second-Hand Heavy Lift Liebherr Cranes Demand Last-Minute Recalibration
Transporting older heavy-lift cranes can be particularly challenging due to concerns about their integrity and specifications. AAL Shipping recently undertook a complex operation involving the transport of four second-hand Liebherr crane units on board the “AAL Melbourne” vessel. The project had a tight deadline as the client had been let down by another carrier. The cranes, weighing over 400 tonnes each and standing at 35 meters tall, required meticulous preparation. The delivered units were in worse condition than anticipated, requiring on-site adjustments and the re-calibration of the jib’s centre of gravity for stability. The loading process involved driving the first three units around the deck to optimize space before loading the fourth unit. Challenges such as burst crane tires and engine malfunctions caused delays but were overcome with determination and resourcefulness from the crew and attending team.
He concluded, “The cranes were extremely tall and affected bridge visibility, requiring special permission from the Flag State administration and further safety precautions, including the engagement of an additional safety officer on the bridge. At the port of Haiphong, the four units had to be discharged to a barge that was not self-trimming, which meant we could only discharge one crane at a time and to specific areas of the vessel. With so many ships passing closely by and generating wake, discharging to barge in Haiphong requires perfect timing. Despite all challenges, we delivered the cargo safely and within laycan.”
Six Giant Kalmar Automated Stacking Cranes (ASC) Pose Visibility & Size Challenges
AAL Shipping recently transported three Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) from Taicang, China, to Melbourne aboard the “AAL Hong Kong” vessel. These ASCs, each weighing 215 tonnes and measuring 35 meters wide, were destined for the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) as part of an expansion project. AAL’s extensive experience in shipping these units was crucial in ensuring their safe stowage on the vessel’s spacious weather deck. Another shipment of three ASCs is planned on the “AAL Shanghai” vessel in July. The transportation required close coordination with local authorities and stakeholders to meet safety requirements. AAL’s collaboration with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) and thorough preparation, including documentation and safety analyses, facilitated the successful delivery of these massive units.
“Measures undertaken included the deployment of CCTV cameras to compensate for blind spots, establishing forward radar, and employing additional watchkeeping, tugs and pilot assistance during departure and arrival at port. Bespoke adaptations to accommodate the significant size of the cranes included the use of bolsters to extend deck width on the starboard side, removing the support of the ship crane number three to enable a suitable swing angle during loading and discharge, and the additional stowing of the crane’s jib in an upper position during the sea voyage.”
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Source: AAL Shipping
