The Port of Tyne has a world class reputation for managing bulk and conventional cargo, and is rapidly gaining experience with project cargo.
Project cargo broadly describes the shipment of large, heavy, high value pieces of equipment.
‘Seven Oceans’ is an unusual sight on the River Tyne. The vessel, fitted with two large reels, reaches 30 metres high and is able to lift 400 tonnes at one time.
The vessel is suitable for worldwide service but specifically designed for the Atlantic Triangle, comprising West Africa, Brazil and the US Gulf.
Since January IHC Engineering Business, based at the Port of Tyne, has been constructing equipment for subsea use and the latest section of project cargo has arrived at the Port. The ‘Seven Oceans’ cable laying vessel is berthed at the Port’s Riverside Quay ready to load a state-of-the-art offshore skidding system, weighing a massive 120 tonnes and towering 10 metres high.
IHC will eventually load-out a number of gigantic modules of project cargo later in the year – all ultimately for the offshore market. This will include a 500 tonne pipe laying tower, the height of the Tyne Bridge and a 250 tonne crane, the size of a small plane.
Alasdair Kerr, Port of Tyne Commercial Manager said: “This type of project cargo requires specialised experience to execute these complex cargo movements. The Port of Tyne provides skilled labour to handle the equipment safely on and off Riverside Quay.”
Alan Conway, Construction Manager at IHC Engineering Business Ltd, said: “Our location at the Port of Tyne means we are well placed to use skilled labour and handle high and heavy equipment. It’s a good working relationship which will develop further when more modules are assembled at the Port and trialled and tested over the coming months.”
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , May 03, 2012; Image: Port of Tyne