CASE 04
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Project cargo
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Energy & Industrial
Four 72-metre monopiles, Rotterdam to Taiwan without a single re-stow
Four monopile foundations shipped on a heavy-lift vessel from Rotterdam to Taichung, with lift, lashing and discharge planned around the installation schedule.
SHIPMENT MANIFEST
Client
Offshore wind foundation contractor
Cargo
Four steel monopiles, up to 72 m long
Mode
Project cargo
Industry
Energy & Industrial
Handled by
Rotterdam
Completed
May 6, 2026
OUTCOME
Heaviest unit
1,280 t
Port to port
43 days
Re-stows
0
01
The challenge
An offshore wind contractor needed four monopile foundations delivered from Rotterdam to Taichung in time for an installation campaign. Each monopile was up to 72 metres long, the heaviest weighed 1,280 tonnes, and the installation vessel’s schedule left little margin for delay.
02
Constraints
Units too long and heavy for anything but a heavy-lift vessel
Load spreading and sea-fastening designed for a long ocean passage
Discharge only possible at a quay rated for the loads
Routing via the Cape of Good Hope
03
Operational plan
We chartered a heavy-lift vessel with twin cranes able to lift the units in tandem. Our engineering partner prepared the lift plans, stowage and sea-fastening design, which were reviewed by the vessel operator and a marine warranty surveyor before loading.
The stowage plan loaded the four monopiles in reverse discharge order so none would need to be moved during the voyage or at discharge.
04
Key decisions
Heavy-lift charter instead of breakbulk liner space, to control the schedule
Discharge order fixed in the stowage plan
Sea-fastening signed off by a marine warranty surveyor
Arrival window agreed with the installation contractor
05
Outcome
The vessel sailed on schedule and arrived in Taichung after 43 days, via the Cape of Good Hope. All four monopiles were discharged in sequence with no re-stows and handed over for installation.
FROM THE OPERATION
“
They told us on day one where the risk sat on the lane — and then removed it.
Logistics Director, offshore wind developer (demo)
SERVICES USED
How we moved it
CONTEXT
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