Semi Submersible Heavy Lifting Vessel

When an accommodation barge along with 8 other flat top barges must be transported to another continent. It will be cost efficient to transport them at once on a semi submersible heavy lifting vessel.

This marine operation require precise calculation. One of the most important elements is weather. For safety reason, loading  the cargoes to the semi submersible vessel must be done on open water  with low traffic, no waves and low wind speed.

As being local agent in Batam, we have to check the forecast, tide tables and to obtain a permit to use the location for loading operation. The Location is also chosen with many considerations. And the special permit must be obtained from port authority before the operation is executed.

One day before the D Day, the heavy lifting vessel arrived on the location. Dropped anchor and start pumping sea water into her sea chests. Submerged her cargo deck to a certain depth. The cargoes, one accommodation barge and 8 flat top deck barges were towed to the staging area. Assisted by a few small tugs, they were waiting in formation before being loaded.

The whole operation took around 24 hours. But the preparation took much longer. And behind this operation, Batam Agent is the one who arranged a lot off things that must be taken care of. Ship-to-Ship permit, Custom Clearance, Export Permit, Port Clearance and other things that must be provided in order to comply with regulation.