Altius Successfully Executes Complex 1,300-Ton Super-Post-Panamax Crane Transport Across Spain's Coasts
August 22, 2024
Altius, a member of the Project Logistics Alliance representing Spain, Bolivia, and Argentina, is happy to report the successful transport of a 1,300-ton Super-Post-Panamax crane from Tarragona on Spain's Mediterranean coast to Vigo on the Atlantic coast. The crane, measuring 133 meters in length, 24.5 meters in width, and 80 meters in height (with the boom down), was delivered to Termavi, the container terminal operated by Grupo Davila.
(Picture Credit: Altius)
The turnkey project involved detailed engineering work and the internal reinforcement of the crane to withstand sea forces during transit. Altius managed the entire process, including Ro-Ro loading and unloading operations using 84 SPMT axles and transport beams, sea transport aboard the semi-submersible MV Zhong Ren 121, sea fastening of the crane, and operational supervision.
Since STS cranes are not designed to support loads during navigation, the engineering phase, which took two months, focused on reinforcement and sea-fastening strategies to ensure a safe and cost-effective journey. Additionally, the preparation included an analysis of the expected sea conditions during transit to find the safest, most convenient, and cost-effective solution.
The meticulous planning and coordination by the Altius engineering team on-site made the Ro-Ro operations safe and smooth. These operations, involving a total load of 1,900 tons (including the crane, reinforcements, beams, and SPMTs), were completed in just two hours. The selected vessel, its advanced ballast system, and the performance of the heavy haulier contributed to the efficiency of these operations.
Before the loading in Tarragona, with the vessel moored parallel to the quay, the crane was rotated 90 degrees to minimize the Ro-Ro ramps and allow for a more gradual loading process. After the load-out and before moving the crane to the correct stowage and sailing position, the crane was rotated 90 degrees on deck using a carousel maneuver.
(Picture Credit: Altius)
To reduce time spent on deck and lay time, longitudinal and transversal sea fastening was bolted and preassembled prior to the load-out operation. Throughout the journey to Vigo, the Altius team closely monitored sea conditions to ensure that the transit did not exceed the wave height considered in the engineering calculations.
The Super-Post-Panamax STS crane is now unloaded at Termavi and will be operational soon. Congratulations to the Altius team on this successful operation!
