Managing a project from A-Z

Laurens Govers, manager commerce/shipping at Jumbo explains: "The actual transport is probably the most visible part of our job for WICET. However, this can only be done safely and on time due to our carefully prepared engineering throughout the entire project, which started in July 2012". Jumbo enabled WICET to benefit from Jumbo's  approach and thus reduce time-on-site and maximise cost savings; by producing large pre-fab components of the jetty abroad, to be loaded by Jumbo in one piece and deployed at site.

Over the course of 15 months Jumbo transported: eight modular wharfdecks; two 125 m-long stackerbridges weighing 500 tonnes; and a giant 1,250-tonne shiploader using the J-1800 class heavy lift vessels Jumbo Jubilee and Fairpartner and. Furthermore, 22 gantries that formed part of a conveyor system and about 40 galleries were also delivered to Queensland

 
Transforming the site
 "The biggest component of the project was building the jetty itself," explains Govers. A conveyor system needed to be built from the inland coal pit not only to the shore but out to the sea - for enough draught for large vessels to berth. During the project, we have been able to assist WICET in developing the site from a pre piled area into a nearly fully operational coal export terminal" says Govers.
 
In order to accomplish this, eight modularised wharf sections - weighing between 400 and 750-tonnes each - were prefabricated in China. Each section was made stackable to maximise vessel utilisation.  "When you are working far out in the sea you cannot mobilise and use a land-based crane," says Govers. "Instead, our ships discharged the units directly onto pre-piled foundations".

Cherry on top
"The cherry on top of the project was the final delivery of the 1,250-tonne shiploader." The giant shiploader was manufactured in Port Klang, Malaysia and was barged alongside the Fairpartner at the quayside for loading. "In this case the shiploader was loaded without bogies," says Govers. Instead, four 45-tonne bogies were lined up along the deck of the Jumbo vessel. Once the shiploader had been loaded aboard, the shiploader fabricators set about attaching each bogie in place.
 
"When the bogies are installed it affects the centre of gravity of the shiploader.  We required a different arrangement for loading and then discharge. This required complex engineering," says Govers.
 
Govers noted: "The J-1800 class was a perfect fit because of its size and with its two 900-tonne capacity rotating cranes." The vessel's unique zipper system in the tween decks also allowed Jumbo to maximise vessels utilisation. "Essentially we were able to sail all the cargo in fewer shipments, due to these features of our J-class vessels. For example, our J-class vessel loaded two stacker bridges of 125 m and 500 tonnes in one piece over portside, which otherwise had to be shipped in multiple pieces." Jumbo controls four J-1800 class vessels, and according to Govers, being able to provide identical sisterships gave its client operational flexibility.

Stringent regulations
Quality, health, safety and environmental standards (QHSE) were upheld throughout the operation, says Govers. Australia has "very stringent" environmental regulations and  "we have a very good record in Australian waters. We learned a lot from our experience on the Gorgon project where we delivered 15 caissons directly to Barrow Island", he reveals.
 
"Complex projects like this one, is what Jumbo is all about. We love this work," Govers comments. By being able to engage in the WICET project at a very early stage of its development Jumbo was able provide optimum assistance to the client: "We work together with our clients to transport the cargo from A to B by managing the project from A to Z."

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