Rentel

At the end of August, COORDINADORA was requested by its partner company OCTRA to carry out a complicated load-out operation in Bilbao for the Offshore Industry.

The operation consisted on the load out of a J-tuve Cage (250 t) and a Transition Piece (749 t) aboard a seagoing flat pontoon. The height of the CoG, over 17 m in both items, was one of the main challenges regarding the safety of this operation demanding a well calculated and desinged plan. Due to space constraints at the loading jetty the barge was berthed alongside the quay for a transversal RoRo operation. This, together with tide variations, made the load out even more challenging. Finally, the stowage plan imposed by destination requirements implied to shift the heaviest cargo all along the barge beam resulting in some of the axles overhanging by necessity over the gunwale. Altogether a very complex manoeuvre.

Working on the means contracted by OCTRA, first step in COORDINADORA´s scope was to adapt the barge by providing suitable mooring winches and external ballast pumps several days in advance, these were installed on deck according to ballasting simulations carried out in our offices where all potential deviations where identified well in advance. Afterwards COORDINADORA´s engineers were mobilized to site to lead and coordinate the whole operation.

Pumps technicians, linesmen team, heavy hauler and cargo manufacturer collaborated in the proper direction under COORDINADORA´s direction until the safe completion of a smooth manoeuvre which resulted in the full satisfaction of OCTRA and its customer.