COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers has deployed three vessels to transport 17 rubber tyred gantry cranes from China to Walvis Bay, Namibia, in a coordinated project intended to expand cargo handling capacity at the southern African port.

The cranes were loaded at Zhenhua Heavy Industries’ production base in Nantong using the vessels Da Xiang, Da Xin and Da An. The shipment required the carrier to coordinate vessel allocation, terminal activities and loading operations within a limited preparation period.

All 17 units were loaded successfully and passed the required third party inspection during the first attempt, according to COSCO SHIPPING Europe.

The use of three vessels allowed the carrier to divide the crane shipment across available heavy lift capacity and deck space. Large port cranes present a different transport challenge from conventional breakbulk cargo because their dimensions influence vessel selection, lifting arrangements and deck planning.

Loading work continued during night time hours as the teams sought to maintain the agreed transport schedule. The operation involved coordination between the vessels, the Nantong terminal and the equipment manufacturer.

The Da Xiang, Da Xin and Da An form part of COSCO’s specialized carrier fleet, which handles heavy and oversized cargoes that cannot be transported easily aboard conventional container ships. For this shipment, their lifting capabilities and open deck areas were used to accommodate the 17 assembled RTGs.

The project was conducted under third party inspection requirements. Each crane needed to satisfy the applicable checks before the vessels could proceed with the transport programme.

Passing inspection at the first attempt reduced the risk of additional handling, schedule disruption or corrective work at the loading base. With three ships involved, delays affecting one part of the operation could also have influenced the wider vessel and terminal sequence.

The loading illustrates the operational planning required when multiple vessels must work toward a single delivery schedule. It is similar to coordinating several connected cargo movements rather than treating each ship as an independent voyage. Vessel availability, berth access, lifting work and inspection all had to align.

The RTGs are bound for Walvis Bay, a key Atlantic gateway serving Namibia and cargo flows across southern Africa. Rubber tyred gantry cranes are commonly used to move and stack containers within terminal yards, allowing operators to manage available space and transfer boxes between storage areas and other handling equipment.

Once delivered and commissioned, the 17 cranes are expected to support higher terminal efficiency and throughput capacity at the port. Their arrival will add yard handling equipment as Walvis Bay develops its role in regional trade and provides an Atlantic connection for markets across the southern African hinterland.

Source: Breakbulk News