Commercial Marine Transport (CMT) completed a milestone operation, transporting two 620-tonne Minehunters from Belgium to Pakistan. This consignment set a new record for CMT, marking the heaviest and longest double ship movement to date. The project required intricate planning, advanced logistics, and specialised heavy lift equipment to handle the immense size and weight of both vessels.
Initially scheduled for 2020, the shipment was delayed due to the global pandemic, eventually being executed in September 2022. The primary challenge was finding a ship capable of lifting and transporting both Minehunters simultaneously. CMT partnered with United Heavy Lift’s MV UHL Fame, equipped with dual cranes and the capacity to meet the project’s unique demands.
Robert Blades, Peters & May’s Global Commercial Sales Manager, commented on the complexity of the task: “Transporting one vessel of this size is within our norm, but loading two onto one ship presented a rare and complex challenge.” The project required over 1.35 kilometres of lashing cables and sixteen slings to safely lift both vessels. The ship’s deck was reinforced with heavy lift platforms, while CMT’s sub-spreaders helped evenly distribute the weight to avoid deck damage.
Under the guidance of two senior loadmasters and two trainee loadmasters, the loading process took approximately two days per ship, ensuring both Minehunters were securely cradled and ready for transit. This exceptional operation underscores CMT’s ability to manage large-scale and complex logistical challenges, reinforcing its position as a global leader in maritime logistics for oversized cargo.
Peters & May’s Commercial Marine Transport division showcased its logistical prowess by transporting a decommissioned 540-tonne Minehunter from Belgium to Pakistan, a journey spanning over 7,000 nautical miles. Tailoring the project to accommodate the vessel’s age and unique structural conditions, our in-house experts crafted a bespoke lashing and cradling plan, crucial for ensuring the integrity of the vessel with its sparse lifting points and decades of marine growth.
In addition to the Minehunter, the shipment included three 40-foot containers carrying spare parts, requiring intricate navigation through the Mediterranean, Suez Canal, and UAE.
Stephanie Schillgalies, Manager of Chartering & Projects at SAL Engineering, commended the project, stating, “In every aspect, it was a pleasure to cooperate with the expert team at Peters & May. The commercial and technical cooperation with SAL Engineering was closely and well-organised, with clear and efficient communication crucial for handling such complex projects.” This successful operation underscores our department’s flexibility and resourcefulness in crafting tailored logistic plans and highlights our professionalism in managing both primary and subsidiary shipments under challenging conditions.
Peters & May is a trusted leader in the secure and efficient transportation of naval vessels, providing specialised maritime logistics services tailored to the unique demands of military shipping. Our extensive experience and commitment to excellence ensure that your navy vessel is delivered safely and on schedule to any destination worldwide.
