Relocating two ship-to-shore cranes

CEVA Logistics transported the cranes by ship from Malta to Marseille in France

3/23/2023

Our customer's business challenges

The cranes are huge structures, standing more than 80m high and measuring 145m long
They needed to be transported as quickly as possible to support an increase in container activity at the client’s site in Marseille
The terminals in Malta and Marseille were operative at the time, so we needed to ensure our work caused minimal disruption
The global pressures on the steel market and fluctuating crude oil prices made it difficult to obtain the specially designed parts required to reinforce the cranes for transportation
This project took place in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, which added an additional challenge.

TRANSFORMATION STORY

CEVA Logistics has its own Engineering Department dedicated to designing solutions of this nature. We worked on this challenging project for one year, in collaboration with a specialist subcontractor with recognized experience in port handling equipment. The entire operation was insured and managed by the CEVA Logistics team.

Watch the team in action!

The project had several distinct phases:

Engineering works: We undertook a complete structural study of the cranes, to determine what was required for the transportation, including the specifications of reinforcements, sea-fastenings and grillage. This study was carried out in record time and validated by an external certification body, so that we could order the bespoke steel reinforcements as quickly as possible. At the time, there was intense pressure on the steel market.
Preparation of cranes: The cranes were reinforced with specially designed steel fabrications, and all mobile parts were secured to avoid movements and damages during the sea crossing. Transport brackets were installed ready for loading on to the Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs).
Preparation of ship: The semi-submersible deck carrier arrived at the port in Malta, and the grillage and sea-fastenings were partially welded on board.
Load-out: The cranes were rolled towards and onto the ship using 88 axels of SPMTs and ramps — a complex and slow operation. The grillage and sea-fastenings were then completed.
Sea-transfer: The cranes and the disassembled SPMTs were taken by ship to Marseille.
Sea-fastening removal and load-in operations: At Marseille, the grillage and sea-fastenings were removed. The SPMTs were reassembled and used to move the cranes off the ship and into their final positions.
Removal of all internal reinforcements: All the internal reinforcements and fixings were removed from the cranes.

TANGIBLE RESULTS

Distance

665 miles

These huge cranes were transported a total of 665 miles.

Duration

22 Days

Project Operation run in 22 days: from mobilization of equipment to final arrival in position at destination.

The Results

CEVA successfully project managed this complex operation to ensure the safe and efficient relocation of these two ship-to-shore cranes. Both cranes are expected to be in operation at Marseille terminal by the end of 2022.