How To Ship Submarine Hull Sections: A Guide

Pre-shipment Planning

Detailed Cargo Survey

• Precise dimensions, weight, centre of gravity, and structural integrity assessment.
• Detailed drawings and specifications.

Port Survey

• Identification of suitable ports with sufficient crane capacity, quayside strength, and navigable water depths.
• Assessment of route constraints, such as bridges and canals.

Vessel Selection

• Heavy-lift vessels with sufficient lifting capacity (handling weights exceeding 500 tonnes) and ample deck space.
• Consideration of the number of sections and their individual weights; multiple vessels may be required.

Route Planning

• Optimal shipping route considering weather, transit times, and risks. A balance of shortest transit time and cost is carefully considered.

Lashing and Securing Plan

• A detailed plan adhering to international maritime safety standards.

Permits and Approvals

• Securing all necessary special cargo permits, import/export licenses, and any required defense-related material transport licenses.

Insurance

• Comprehensive cargo insurance, including hull and cargo insurance, and appropriate liability coverage.

Loading and Lashing

Specialised Equipment

• Utilisation of heavy-lift cranes and specialised trailers.

Careful Handling

• Extreme caution is exercised throughout the process to prevent damage to the cargo.

Documentation

• Meticulous record-keeping, including photographs and precise weight records.

Transportation

Voyage Monitoring

• Continuous monitoring of the vessel's position and weather conditions throughout the voyage.

Communication

• Maintaining constant communication with the crew and all relevant stakeholders.

Discharge and Delivery

Discharge Planning

• Careful coordination with the receiving port to ensure the availability of heavy-lift equipment.

Delivery

• Arranging for onward transportation to the final destination.

Documentation and Compliance

Bill of Lading

• Preparation of an accurate and complete Bill of Lading.

Customs Documentation

• Ensuring all necessary customs documentation is prepared and submitted correctly.

Compliance

• Strict adherence to all relevant international maritime regulations and safety standards.

Potential Challenges and Risk Mitigation

Bad Weather

• Advanced weather forecasting and route optimisation techniques are employed to minimise weather-related risks.

Port Congestion

• Proactive monitoring of port conditions and the utilisation of alternative ports if necessary to avoid delays.

Potential Damage During Transit

• Robust lashing and securing plans, combined with regular inspections during transit, significantly minimise the risk of damage.

Case Study

Recent Project

• Shipping International successfully transported three submarine hull sections, totalling 750 tonnes, from [Origin Port] to [Destination Port]. Specific details are available upon request.

Contact Information

Information about Shipping International is available at shippinginternational.co.uk.