February 26 - GAC is coordinating the transport of the acrylic and steel structure for the world's biggest underwater restaurant from New Zealand to the Maldives.
HLPFI reported in August 2015 that GAC had awarded Jumbo a contract for the transportation of the underwater restaurant to the Maldives.
The restaurant, which had a 13 m high stairwell, is on its way to the resort of Hurawalhi, where it will offer guests an underwater dining experience with panoramic views of the surrounding marine life when it opens in August 2016.
12 months of detailed planning were required for the shipment of the unit, based on GAC's CAD-assisted lifting and lashing calculations to prepare the structure's voyage.
The first stage involved transporting the 410-tonne unit over 8 km by road from the construction company's facility in New Plymouth to Port Taranaki, using a 200-wheel trailer and four tractor units.
On arrival at Port Taranaki, the unit was lifted on board Jumbo's heavy lift vessel Fairlane, before being lashed and secured to the deck.
"After lengthy and detailed preparations, it's a big relief to know the restaurant is now safely en route," said GAC's group project logistics manager Per Thörnblom. "Depending on stopovers, weather and other factors, we hope that Fairlane will arrive at the brand new resort of Hurawalhi during the first week of March."
In the Maldives, the structure will be lifted from the vessel and positioned on 8 m and 14 m piles.
