Earlier this year, BigLift Shipping’s Happy Star transported seafastening structures from Bergen, Norway to Brownsville, USA, on behalf of Blue Water Shipping. The components were destined for a newly constructed US wind turbine installation vessel, Charybdis, which will handle both current and next-generation wind turbines and foundations.
Due to the unusual cargo dimensions and unit weights of up to 860 tonnes, BigLift said that its Happy S-type was the only vessel available that was capable of the job. Happy Star had a brief window in an otherwise packed schedule, which made it possible to squeeze this shipment in.
Several challenges had to be addressed in the months leading up to the operation. Part of the cargo originated from a berth with severe length and draught restrictions, which made direct access difficult. Ultimately, these units were loaded onto a barge and transhipped to Happy Star at an alternative berth.
Another challenge was caused by the shape of certain cargo items and the absence of lashing points, which posed a risk of tipping during transit. Lashing points were added and a support tower made from containers was assembled on deck to stabilise the unit during the voyage.
Despite thorough planning, last-minute hurdles emerged, such as a request for an expedited schedule, additional cargo, poor weather during load-out, and delays that required a revised loading sequence. BigLift said that the issues were resolved to the client’s satisfaction and Happy Star completed loading without delay and departed as planned. Following a 19-day ocean crossing, the vessel arrived at the shipyard in Brownsville; persistent thunderstorms along the Texan coast caused minor delays, but the cargo was successfully discharged onto the wind turbine installation vessel.
