LOADING & STOWAGE OF 175 LOW ALLOY WELDED PIPES AT ANTWERP PORT

• 

• 

• 

• 

Moving oversized industrial cargo requires more than transportation, it demands detailed planning, precise coordination, and strict adherence to cargo handling and securing procedures.

In 2024, Eurise K coordinated the loading and stowage survey of 175 low alloy welded pipes, with a total cargo weight of 786.23 metric tons, at the Port of Antwerp, Belgium. The operation was carried out over three survey attendances, covering cargo inspection, loading, stowage, and final securing.

Project Overview

The shipment consisted of: 

• 175 Low Alloy Welded Pipes

• Total Weight: 786.23 MT

• Loading Port: Antwerp, Belgium

• Ocean Vessel: BEAUTRIDENT

The cargo was divided into two lots, allowing the loading operation to be completed in multiple stages while maintaining vessel stability and operational efficiency.

Pre-Loading Inspection

Before loading commenced, the survey team conducted a detailed inspection of the cargo at the breakbulk terminal. 

The steel pipes were stored outdoors on timber dunnage using the bilge-and-cantline stacking method, with wedges installed to prevent movement. Due to the tight stacking arrangement, only the outer pipes and protective end caps could be visually inspected.

Minor handling marks, superficial rust stains, and damaged plastic end caps were observed as part of the pre-loading inspection, with no structural abnormalities reported.

Heavy Lift & Loading Operations

Loading operations were performed using specialized terminal equipment designed for heavy project cargo.

The operation utilized:

• PPM mobile crane (SWL 45 MT) equipped with pipe hooks

• Liebherr terminal crane (SWL 100 MT)

• 8-meter spreader

• Roll trailers specially configured for transporting steel pipes.

The pipes were first transferred onto roll trailers before being transported alongside the vessel and lifted into the cargo holds using the terminal crane.

Throughout the operation, close coordination between terminal operators, the vessel crew, stevedores, and surveyors ensured a safe and efficient loading process.

Cargo Stowage & Securing

Cargo securing plays a critical role in project logistics.

Inside the cargo hold, the pipes were loaded in a nested arrangement, supported by timber beams and wooden wedges to prevent movement during the voyage.

Additional wooden frames and nylon straps were installed to secure the cargo and minimize longitudinal and transverse movement while at sea.

The remaining cargo was subsequently loaded into Cargo Hold No. 2 after other project cargo had been completed, demonstrating the importance of careful planning when multiple cargoes share the same vessel space.

Quality Assurance Throughout the Operation

From the initial inspection through to the completion of loading, every stage of the operation was monitored by attending surveyors.

Following completion of loading and securing, the cargo arrangement was inspected together with the vessel's Chief Officer.

No visible anomalies were observed during the operation.

The lashing and securing arrangements were found suitable for the intended sea voyage

Need support for your next project cargo shipment?

📩 Contact us today and let our experts provide the right logistics solution for your busines

✈️ Air Cargo: air@eurisek.com

🚢 Ocean Cargo: ocean@eurisek.com