Hansa Heavy Lift moves huge shiploader from Antwerp to Namibe, Angola

February 8, 2018: Hansa Heavy Lift, a significant player in the movement of heavy project cargo, recently transported a huge shiploader, with the largest unit weighing 513 metric tonnes and measuring a total of 65,480 cbm, from Antwerp in Belgium to Namibe in Angola. The shiploader was transported aboard HHL Valparaiso alongside other equipment including a reclaimer, an elevator, and a tripper car, as well as other accessories, with all cargo being discharged at the Port of Namibe.

"This was a challenging operation that required strong engineering expertise and close cooperation with the customer through all stages of the project, from planning to discharge, in order to ensure a smooth and flawless operation," said Bozidar Ukas, Head of Offshore, Engineering Department, Hansa Heavy Lift.

"Due to the equipment’s overall dimensions, with the shiploader measuring 63.5 metres in length and the reclaimer measuring 57 metres in length, lifting operations had to be managed meticulously and attention to detail was a must. We used the vessel’s cranes to add the shiploader’s counterweights for lifting operations and to remove them for the voyage to ensure safe lifting and sailing conditions," Ukas added.

Hansa Heavy Lift secured the cargo with extra lashing for the long-sea passage due to the potentially adverse weather conditions, and also made sure that ship movement alongside the quay was minimised.