When the specialised heavy lift carrier MV Fairpartner called at a series of Indian ports, GAC India was appointed to act as her agent. The company’s extensive national coverage enabled GAC to provide the same high standard of support for the vessel operated by Jumbo Shipping V.O.F wherever she went.
“From start to finish, it was critical to ensure safe berthing with no effect of swell, which could otherwise make this cargo operation unsafe,” says Captain Srinivasan Sethumadhavan, General Manager
For the first leg of the journey, more than 3,300 MT of EO reactor, wash tower, steam drum and column de-ethanizer arrived at Hazira on barges, some of which were loaded from quayside. The position of the Fairpartner’s on-board cranes meant it had to be turned around and the barges shifted to make the cargo accessible.
Eight heavy lift coastal packages were loaded at Hazira for onward discharge at Paradip and Dhamra, and GAC India arranged for the Netherlands-flagged vessel to be converted to coastal run and then back to foreign run at Dhamra.
“The operations at Hazira were challenging as we had to consider the overall width to accommodate the vessel as well as the barge, and the seven berthing days required,” says Captain Srinivasan. “Thanks to the support of port officials and the careful pre-planning by Jumbo team and our team’s meticulous execution, there was no delay or disruption throughout the vessel’s stay.”
Seven of the eight packages were discharged onto a self-propelled modular trailer (SPMT) at Paradip, after turning around the vessel. Then, two harbour mobile cranes weighing 837.50 MT were loaded as coastal cargo at Kakinada deep water port for discharge later at Gopalpur Berth.
The GAC India and Jumbo teams had worked closely together to take care of every aspect of the month-long operation. From preparation of gears, rigging of cargo and ballast preparation on board, to shifting of hatch covers/stabiliser pontoons, and cargo handling including lashing and slings, the Jumbo vessel crew had proficiently handled them all while adhering to the stringent COVID-19 safety protocols.
On the final stop of the Fairpartner’s journey before setting sail for Singapore, a BOG recondenser weighing 132.75 MT was discharged at Dhamra.
GAC’s presence at all the ports enabled the efficient mobilisation of resources for the operations.
“Jumbo’s detailed planning and close cooperation between the experienced GAC team and professional vessel crew ensured smooth operations at every port,” adds Captain Srinivasan. “We also thank Vessel Manager, Mr. Martijn Huijgens and Mr. Gautamraj Sharma of Wheel & Time Logistics for their support throughout the entire operation.”
