Chipolbrok’s multipurpose vessel Kraszewski has completed a complex voyage linking Asia, Europe and back again, carrying steel, wind energy equipment, cranes and other heavy units.
Kraszewski’s voyage began at Fang Cheng in China, via Phú Mỹ in Vietnam, and completed loading in Taicang, China. At these locations steel rails, rubber-tyred gantries (RTG) and wind power equipment, including tower sections, were loaded aboard.
During the voyage to Europe, Chipolbrok had to navigate monsoon conditions and high swell in the Indian Ocean, as well as the possible dangers associated with passing through the Suez Canal. The vessel continued through the Mediterranean Sea, with its first call at the port of Antwerp, where a large portion of cargo, including the RTGs and steel, was discharged.
Wind tower sections, blades and accessories were then delivered to Germany’s Rostock, which came with its own challenges given the vessel’s size and the port’s draught. It was allowed to enter the fairway and was berthed upon arrival, thanks to a special permit. The ship went on to Szczecin, Poland, where 16,200 tonnes of rails and 33 other units were discharged, including a 287-tonne transformer.
The next leg of the voyage took in Hamburg, where special steel plates were picked up, ready to be shipped to Türkiye, Oman, India and China. The heaviest unit, weighing 160 tonnes, required sophisticated handling. Using its heavy lift capable cranes, Kraszewski stopped at Rotterdam to load a 380-tonne gas turbine which was destined for Haydarpaşa, Türkiye.
Following a pickup of steel products at Antwerp, primarily intended for Mumbai, plus different types of machinery, Kraszewski went on to Huelva, Spain, where it collected approximately 11,000 tonnes of concentrates in bulk, destined for China. Once the vessel had unloaded the necessary items at Haydarpaşa, it resumed its journey to Asia – once again via the Suez Canal.
Earlier this month, Chipolbrok was granted an exemption from publication requirements by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in the USA, having been added to the FMC’s controlled carrier list in April 2025.
