for the delivery of two rescue tugs “UZON” and “PECHAK” manufactured by the Oka shipyard to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The task was complicated by late autumn, stormy weather conditions and the need to load oversized cargo from the water.
To implement the project, an offshore crane vessel was chartered, ideal for transporting heavy and oversized cargo. Under the guidance of experienced Captain Kornilov, a detailed cargo plan was developed and agreed upon, taking into account all the features of lifting cargo on board using ship cranes and securing tugs on the ship.
CARGO WORTHY OF SPECIAL ATTENTION
The two rescue tugboats UZON and PECHAK were built as part of the Northern Sea Route infrastructure development plan until 2035 and integrated into the federal Large NSR project of the Efficient Transport System national project.
Weight of each tugboat: 408 tons.
Unit dimensions: 29.6 × 10.6 × 17.0 m.
As is customary in project logistics, long before the day of loading oversized cargo onto a vehicle, be it a sea or river vessel, motor vehicle or railway train, a transportation project is being developed that includes all stages of work, as well as loading, unloading and securing cargo, manufacture of additional equipment, transportation lodgments, slings, slings. and so on . The development takes into account the equipment involved in all stages of freight forwarding services.
MEETING WITH THE ELEMENTS
Despite the fact that our specialists, together with the heavilifter team, divers, slingers and the port service, developed a clear work plan, outlined the roles and stages of cargo operations, the unstable weather of the Baltic basin constantly made its own adjustments.
In the early morning of the first day, the tugboats were promptly moved by the port services to the loading dock. At a general meeting of the entire project team, loading plans were discussed, which were adapted to the weather conditions. The weather forecast for the next three days predicted an increase in wind up to 12 m/s and a wave height of up to 4 m, which made diving impossible and unsafe.
Taking into account the weather conditions, we decided to bring the first tugboat under the side of the vessel, loosen it and expect the weather to improve. The Stone Logistics company bears full responsibility for the safety of the cargo, therefore UZON and PECHAK were taken into the port of St. Petersburg in a mothballed state, which required the involvement of additional tugboats to perform maneuvers.
Severe wind and rough water accompanied the entire stage of loading operations, forcing us to operate on a tight schedule in anticipation of calm. In such conditions, the coordinated work of all participants in the process, strict observance of safety regulations both on board the ship and on the water, is more important than ever.
After careful briefing of the personnel and completion of the preparatory processes, the key stage was the placement of the watercraft in position in accordance with the developed lifting project.
Having secured the tugboat at the side of the heavilifter and prepared all positions for lifting the cargo, the team could only wait for the wind to subside a little and the wave level to decrease in order to get the slings under the cargo, to secure the cargo for further lifting using ship cranes on board and installation in the hold on prepared lodgments.
Two days later, the weather allowed us to carry out lifting operations.
THE TEAM’S PRECISION AND PROFESSIONALISM
In order to maintain the integrity of the ship’s hull under dynamic loads, it was necessary to install specially made slings strictly under the frames. This task was performed by a team of divers working in difficult weather conditions. They had to make a series of dives to accurately position the slings.
After numerous dives and control operations, the supercargo reported to the captain of the vessel about readiness. The entire team and crew members held their breath, waiting for the ascent to begin.
The months of preparation are over — now just go ahead! It is at such moments that the adrenaline and indescribable excitement before the break are especially acute!
The cranes of the vessel are involved in loading, crane operators slowly and along a well-defined trajectory bring the cargo over the hold, into which the first tugboat will be placed. Teamwork in this project felt like never before. All operations at the time of lifting were carried out under the strict supervision and guidance of the ship’s captain.
The loading operations of the PECHAK tugboat were completed, the cargo was placed in the hold, placed on keel blocks and secured to their regular places. It is prepared for sea transportation.
The loading of the second tugboat, the UZON, was not without surprises. Due to increased crosswinds and waves, it was decided at the joint meeting not to postpone loading, as further deterioration of the weather was inevitable. After weighing all the risks, the Stone Logistics team announced the immediate start of cargo operations.
During the slinging of the second tugboat, we realized that the only right decision had been made — not to delay the lifting operations, because the wind was getting stronger and the waves were growing, rocking both the ship and the cargo on the water more and more.
But the divers already had experience checking the correct position and fastening of the slings under the frames of this modification of the tugboat, which significantly accelerated the process of checking and escorting.
The loading of the rescue tugboat UZON was completed in a short time, which allowed us to meet the scheduled work plan.
After eight days of waiting, worry, and hard work, the tugs were safely secured on the vessel. The crew and stevedores completed the cargo release, the captain planned the departure, and representatives of the Stone Logistics company escorted the ship on a long and difficult voyage.
The sea route took less than three months. Rescue tugboats of the NE025 project for the Kamchatka branch of the Maritime Rescue Service arrived at the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky seaport at the end of February. Unloading was carried out by ship cranes on the water. After completing all cargo operations in reverse order, we handed over the tugs to the customer in factory condition, as promised.
This project has become another confirmation of the high professionalism and reliability of Stone Logistics in the field of oversized cargo shipping.
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