The Netherlands: Jumbo Shipping has completed a two-year project for the Pearl GTL project of Qatar Shell GTL.
From 2007 to November 2009, 24 reactors, each weighing 1,200 tonnes have been transported to the Port of Ras Laffan.
Jumbo's heavy lift vessel, the 'Fairpartner' transported twelve, German-built, reactors from Rotterdam. Jumbo Logistics was contracted to execute a barging operation for the twelve reactors, starting at the fabrication site in Hamriyah, UAE.
As the reactors were rolled-off by a different contractor, Jumbo designed a stooling plan suitable for both contractors, thus ensuring efficient on- and offloading conditions.
Furthermore, as a number of similar barge trips lay ahead, Jumbo designed a re-usable sea fastening system. Each time, the reactors were rolled onto the barge using self-propelled modular trailers (SPMTs). In order to place them onto the four stools positioned on the barge deck and because of load-spreading issues, the deck had to be raised by 30cm with steel mats to provide unobstructed access for the SPMTs. Another purpose of this raised deck was that it provided a larger tidal window for loading and offloading.
When the tide was suitable, the reactors were slowly rolled onto the barge by a 16-axle, three-wide SPMT trailer with a total of 192 wheels. To continuously provide safe access, the barge's ballast levels were adjusted step by step. The loaded barge was then towed the 320km to Ras Laffan where the reverse procedure of the loading operation was carried out.
Finally, the reactors were brought to the site by another contractor.