Grab-unloader from China to Slovenia

Happy Sky was the chosen vessel to move a 950 mt Grab-unloader from its building yard in Taicang, China to Koper, Slovenia. LUKA Koper Iron Ore and Coal Terminal had ordered their new machine from Taicang RHM (Nantong Rainbow Heavy Machineries) and transport was organised through Koch Solutions, an RHM subsidiary.

Happy Sky, with her combination of outstanding lifting capacity and outreach, was the perfect vessel to move the 28.7*88,2*56,5 m (lwh) Grab-unloader. The loading operation was unique, as the unloader would be delivered to the vessel with its boom in working position, in stead of upright or even separate.

This meant that Happy Sky would not be able to moor at the terminal once the grab-unloader stood waiting for loading on the quayside, as the boom protruding over the water would block the mooring of the vessel.

To solve this puzzle, it was decided to move Happy Sky further up the terminal and deliver the grab-unloader at a 45o angle to the quay. Then the grab-unloader was slowly turned with the vessel shifting along her mooring lines to slot the boom in between her cranes. With the cargo in loading position and the vessel safely moored alongside, the loading operation could commence. In Koper, this exercise was not necessary, as Happy Sky with the grab-unloader on board could moor against the quay, unload her cargo end leave the quayside perpendicularly to the quay before turning away to leave the port.