The Stakhanovets Yermolenko trimmed by the bow for offloading of the cranes

Project Summary

In May 1995, two Gottwald mobile harbor cranes were transported from Miami to Buenos Aires aboard the heavy-lift dockship Stakhanovets Yermolenko. The cranes (each weighing approx. 330 t) rolled onboard over the stern ramp under their own power and were secured to the deck with steel pipes welded to the deck. For the transport, the boom ends were lowered onto special supports, allowing for deflection of the ship hull in seaways.

For the unloading the mobile cranes, the additional power of four tractors were needed in order to overcome the large slope caused by the ship's trim, required to reach the high quay. See photograph above. 

Scope of Work

The project scope included:

• Supervision of the loading operation in Miami, Florida;

• Design criteria and ship motion calculations;

• On-site design of seafastenings and supervision of the local contractor during installation;

• On-site design of boom supports;

• Supervision of offloading operation upon arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Project Photographs

Stowing the loose cargo items, such as counter weights, spreader frames, etc. inside the ship's hold.	Detail of the crane seafastenings, consisting of pipe braces and chain lashings.	The Stakhanovets Yermolenko arriving at the Buenes Aires port, getting ready to unlash the cargo.	The second Gottwald crane safely rolled across the ship's stern ramp onto the quay.