DHL India set a record by berthing the largest self propelled barge at Paradip port
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-- The Industrial Projects team of DHL Global Forwarding India recently completed shipping of six heavy lift packages ranging between 155MT to 850MT. Three of these were in excess of 800MT. The unique challenges of this shipment saw DHL roll-on the packages at Ulsan in S. Korea and shipped the packages by a self propelled Ro-Ro Barge all the way up to Paradip on behalf of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) which is India's largest manufacturer of refinery equipment in India.
Shipping the packages was a challenge due to administrative and operational constraints at Paradip port. Indian Oil Corporation Limited refinery had constructed a special Ro-Ro jetty as the size of the shipment exceeded the prescribed 6m height and hence the existing berth could not be used for the Over Dimensional Cargo shipment. L&T then carried out a thorough feasibility study and technical assessment of barge transport from Korea. The findings of this study highlighted DHL's credibility, efficiency & prowess and led L&T to partner with DHL Global Forwarding India.
DHL used its global experience and knowledge to plan an effective solution to successfully transport the packages. In step one, DHL chartered a self propelled barge suitable for long distance voyage and capable of carrying all the heavy lift packages and accessories in one voyage. The packages were rolled on at Ulsan port by DHL using Self Propelled Modular Trailers onto the self propelled barge. Heavy sea lashings and securing was done based on professional calculations taking into consideration the distance the packages had to travel on the self propelled barge.
Transit time was very critical factor. Therefore, despite the bad weather at various places en route, DHL ensured that the barge arrived at Paradip port well within the set transit period of 25 days. Once the Paradip port authorities were satisfied with the mooring plans and the facilities on board for ballast, the barge was allowed to berth at the Ro-Ro jetty. The maneuvering and the final berthing at the Ro-Ro jetty was difficult considering the narrow approach channel. The beam of the barge was 38m & the length was 146m. The jetty had 80m width of which only 50m had a suitable draft of 4m for navigation of the barge. It was a giant barge & had to be controlled precisely with mooring ropes. Its Ballast Pump capacity of 2,000m3 / H x 3Sets (6,000m3/H) allowed it to maintain level with jetty at high tide at a very fast pace enabling swift discharge operations by L&T's appointed subcontractor's for unfastening of lashing and roll out of the packages.
"Despite various constraints and hurdles such as bad weather, heavy shipment, complex technicalities, DHL team ensured that the shipment reached the port on time - uncontaminated and unpolluted. It set a record by berthing the largest self propelled barge at Paradip port", said Christoph Remund, CEO - DHL Global Forwarding India.
Speaking about the record breaking task, Mr. Gopinath Phargade, AGM - Logistics, L&T states, "This was a very complex operation performed to perfection. We are very thankful to DHL and its team which had the skills, technical knowledge, expertise, manpower and more than anything the courage to take up the challenge, and live up to it".
Notes to Editor
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