
Our Spanish partner office commissioned us, on behalf of a local insurer, to supervise the loading of eight nacelles, each weighing 379 t, at the Cuxhaven site.

The cargo was transported using a 12-axle Goldhofer THP/SL SPMT module and a 14-axle Goldhofer PST/SL-E SPMT module; the permissible axle load was 36.6 t in each case, with a maximum permissible travelling speed of 5 km/h.

The transport route from the manufacturer to the port was approximately 700 m long.

Prior to loading, we carried out a condition inspection and documented the condition of the components as well as the presence of the markings.

The ROTRA VENTE is a RoRo vessel for the transport of offshore wind energy components. The total cargo weight of the MS ROTRA VENTE is just under 4,500 t.

The vessel was converted from a former container ship on behalf of Siemens Wind Power.

ROTRA VENTE:
Year built: 1999
IMO No.: 9193251
Call Sign: PBBQ
Flag: Netherlands
DWT (Deadweight): approx. 11,000 t
LOA (Length overall): approx. 167.0 m

Loading Operation:
After opening the bow ramp door and deploying the access ramp, the vessel was inspected.

Together with the crew, questions regarding loading and cargo securing were clarified.

First, the ballast water was adjusted in order to reduce the approach angle along the ramp.

Large-area anti-slip mats were laid between the cargo and the vessel deck.

The cargo was moved step by step from the staging area, via the ramp, to the designated position on board the vessel.

Both the existing welded D-rings and the lashing points recessed into and permanently integrated into the vessel deck were used for cargo securing. Due to the large number of available lashing points, welding work was not required.

D-rings on the cargo with BL 500 kN, hooks + 13 mm chain with MBL 20 t, as well as turnbuckles. Additional cargo (material boxes) was secured against shifting using straps.

Power cables were connected to the respective nacelles for basic power supply.

As part of the final condition inspection, the cargo securing was inspected and approved jointly with the supercargo and the vessel’s command.

The entire operation – from moving the nacelles from the production facility to completion of the cargo securing – was completed within just seven hours. Upon departure, the vessel’s crew reported a GM of 1.68 m.

Finally, a detailed loading report was prepared.

