Tough Job – Made Reel Simple

Tuscor Lloyds, the UK-based heavy lift specialist freight forwarder and shipping agent was recently involved in the movement of a large cable reel on behalf of a large shipping agent in Scotland.

In recent years Tuscor Lloyds has been heavily involved in providing logistics services to some large high-profile developments in the Gulf of Mexico region. Sometimes jobs can seem small when viewed as part of the big picture. In the movement of a single component part however, one can see a reflection of the complexity and difficulty of the wider project.

The brief was to ship the consignment from the UK to arrival in New Orleans. This heavy, cumbersome and large cable reel was 50 tonnes. Safely lifting a heavy piece like this is difficult let alone preparing it for shipment by deep sea. In this case the large cable reel was delivered to port by the shipper. But the difficult part was to come.

With delays in port, the planned loading was not simple and the window was very tight. 2 flat rack containers were first positioned on board the vessel. Using the container lifting rig, the loose cargo had to be lifted directly onto the flat racks and secured on board. The weight and shape of the reel meant that the planners insisted stowage was to be along the centre line of the ship.

The retrospective fitting of strapping, chains and chocks quickly and to the satisfaction of the ship owner is a difficult task. A high level of skill and expertise is required. Tuscor Lloyds’ project managers have the right kind of experience and engaged a third party marine surveyor to oversee the operation and ensure the job was completed to an exceptionally high standard. In difficult conditions and under severe time pressure the lashing team and stevedoring contractors successfully secured the cargo for the voyage across the Atlantic. The shipment of the large cable reel was safely sent on its way and the customer fulfilled another important contract for their important client.