Project cargo expertise in Taiwan

OPERATIONS

Wallem Ship Agency -Project Cargo Expertise

The Wallem Ship Agency Taiwan team were pleased to support the call of Offshore Heavy Transport (OHT)’s vessel the Falcon in August to discharge a jack-up barge in Taichung, Taiwan.

OHT is a Norwegian specialised heavy transport vessel operator which transports all kinds of oversized cargoes for various markets. OHT owns and operates a number of open deck semi-submersible heavy transportation vessels. Cargoes transported range from offshore drilling rigs and dredging equipment to oversized floating and non-floating cargo which is typically extremely large and heavy (up to 40,000 tons), and high in value.

Wallem was appointed as agent for this Taiwan call because of our experience and our strong capability in handling such complicated and delicate mid-stream operations. When OHT needed help with the loading of a crane onto their vessel the Osprey in Hong Kong in late 2017, they turned to Wallem Ship Agency as agent. The Wallem team helped to find a suitable location and handle all the logistics involved in getting the cargo (a huge crane) onto the vessel. The call involved meticulous planning and coordinating; especially when an unexpected last minute request came for a height exemption. In the end, the mission was accomplished without additional cost and delay to the customer.

When OHT looked for an agent in Taiwan to handle the discharge of a jack-up barge from their vessel the Falcon, they didn’t hesitate to reach out to Wallem again. They knew that they could count on our reliable agency team to get things done, safely and according to schedule.

The operations plan was originally to have the discharge operations done at an outer anchorage since there is no

space constraint. That way there would be no concern about the berth and buildings / obstructions alongside the pier or any draft or length restrictions. This allows more room for manoeuvre for the operation and more options to recover should anything go wrong.

However, despite the team’s plans and preparations, on the day the Falcon arrived in Taiwan waters, the weather was too rough to perform the operation at the outer anchorage. OHT would either have to wait it out, which would cost time and money or an alternative solution had to be found. The team had to think on their feet to find the safest and best solution to meet the customers’ needs.

Thankfully the TIPC (Taiwan International Ports Corporation) agreed that the operation could be performed safely at high-tide alongside W/No.31 pier. So while this was a positive step, this meant that the operation would be much more delicate and extra care would have to be taken. Due to the limited space, and tight tide window, the operation would now be even more challenging! Ultimately, thanks to the good teamwork and co-operation of all parties involved (agents and the port authority) as well as the expertise of owner’s Loadmaster Capt. Ole, the operation was performed safely and without delay and to OHT’s satisfaction and appreciation.

Wallem Ship Agency handles a range of vessel types, calling at all Asian ports. Our Ship Agency is known for providing reliable, flexible and efficient agency services at the best possible cost. The teams have solid experience in handling mid-stream operations and specialize in finding solutions for project cargo shipments, lay-up and ship repair.