Manoeuvring Large Base units in Port of Blyth
Project info:
Client
TEXO
Units
6
Weight
35t Each
Length
26.4m Each
Width
5.4m Each
Project Tasked to Harlyn
TEXO appraoched Harlyn with an initial brief to transport the six base sections from their fabrication shop in the Port of Blyth South Harbour to the blast and paint bay along a 300 metre internal route.
We manoeuvred the bases into position on bespoke transport. The units were then lowered on to stolls, which we provided ourselves. We used the hydraulics on the trailers to carry out the lower operation. The subsequent moves took the bases into the secure storage area within the port, known locally as the ‘caravan park’.
Once in the designated place, the base units were lifted into position under the remit of a Harlyn contract lift. We utilised two 60-tonne cranes and various complex rigging to carry out a tandem lift.
This project had to be completed within a day and we began at 8am and finished the manoeuvres by 6pm.
The challenge:
Movement of heavy and long base units
Moving heavy pieces through an active port can be a hazard due to limited area restrictions and other port traffic. We supplied detailed lift and transport plans for each phase of the lifts to identify and mitigate against risks.
Risk Management for Subcontractors
Managing health and safety responsibilities for a lifting team in a complex operational environment. We carried out site reviews and provided comprehensive method statements and risk assessments for the project.
Coordinating a tandem lift
When coordinating a tandem lift, it's imperative that communication remains clear and constant. A breakdown in communication can lead to mistakes and delays. Similarly there is a risk of mechanical failure in these lifts if the incorrect lifting tackle is used, or there is some sort of environmental interference.
Steps to a successful project
The solution:
Route Planning and Site Inspection
In advance of the operation, the competent person from Harlyn inspected the route that the transport vehicle would take. They identified potential hazards and advised the port authority of the oversize object movement. Together with the TEXO Project Manager, the competent person carried out an inspection of the lifting site. They checked that the space was suitable for the unloading and storage, and highlighted potential hazards in the area. When they were satisfied that the risks had been mitigated, they gave the green light.
Lifting Operations
The tandem lifting technique for three base units was predicated by the design and size of the base units and the space available in the storage area.
The two cranes were rigged up as per the comprehensive lift plan completed by the competent person. We then reversed specialist transport into the location beneath the two cranes. Site personnel attached tag lines to the bases and established clear communication via the radios between the crane operators and the lift supervisor. Competent qualified crane operators and an experienced Harlyn lift team made sure that the lifts were completed in a controlled and safe manner. Harlyn recognises the potential danger of tandem lifting, and has become an expert in limiting risks and producing efficient on site operations.
The Harlyn lift supervisor oversaw the safety of the tandem lift. He made sure that the proper procedure was followed during the removal of the transport vehicle and lowering the base unit onto the prepared landing area.
Continued Scope
The next phase of the project required the relocation of the mostly assembled module fromt the TEXO work shed to the designated staging area, South Harbour Port of Blyth. The base units had previously been transport back to the shed for the integration, and this move represented a repeat of the earlier route but with a signifcatly larger, consolidated structure. Given that the modeule was compareable in scale to a small building, the operation demanded precise coordination to mitigate the risk of damage, delays or disruption within the active port enivroment. To maintain full control of the operation, the following roles and resources were deployed by Haryln site supervisor.
Lift Supervisor - Overall authority for the lifting operations and compliance with lifting plans.
Follow driver - Ensured safe manoeuvring and clearance through the transport route.
Radio Communcation - Issues to all personnel to enable continous, direct communcation over the route distance.
Drone Pilot - Provided live aerial monitoring of the move to identify hazards
Riggers - Sipported lifting, securing and adjustment of the load at each stage.
Traffic Wardens - Implemented to restrict port traffic while the structure was being moved.
Outcome
Finishing things off
The module was successfully tandem lifted onto the staging area, which had been prepared in advance with a specifically engineered ground surface designed to accomodate the load’s footprint and weight distribution.
The scope was completed within the set time best for our client and positioned correctly for them to carry out there future phases of the the scope.
This client is part of our local Port of Blyth community, and we look for as many opportunities as possible to work with other businesses in the area. We gave them a fast response, which was expertly planned, organised and executed.
Safety is always a top priority on any of our projects, and we met all safety standards across the operation in accordance with the Harlyn QHSE procedures.
We provided a one-stop shop for this project, which gave the client a complete solution to a complex issues.
Over the past five years, Texo has been able to rely on Harlyn for the careful planning and execution of our logistics operations. Together, we have successfully completed multiple complex projects, each handled with professionalism, precision, and a deep commitment to excellence.
Harlyn’s expertise, reliability, and proactive approach have been invaluable in ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently. We truly value the strong partnership that has developed between our teams and look forward to many more years of successful collaboration.'
Alan Conway, Brand Manager, TEXO