Two complete shiploaders on the move

M.v. Happy Star was booked for another shipment with two complete shiploaders, designed & manufactured by Koch Solutions. The length of the tripper cars (80.7 metres) made this an especially challenging stowage. To fit all cargo on board, the main deck was extended to port side and aft, using the vessel's own tweendeck pontoons. One of the shiploaders was driven on board to its stowage position under its own power.

The strict Chinese Covid-19 protocols made the logistics and planning for the loading operation a great challenge. Constant coordination between vessel and shore side was needed to ensure that loading went as efficient as possible.

During this process, the ship's crew was kept strictly separate from any shore workers, be they operators from Koch or welders, electricians or other support staff from the manufacturer. The vessel's Master and Chief Officer, working in close cooperation with the client's representatives on shore, were pivotal in the successful loading operation. After a brief sea voyage, m.v. Happy Star and her precious cargo arrived safely at her destination. Once again, she was the very first vessel berthing at a new built jetty.

Wintery conditions, with snow and temperatures dropping below -12o C, made the discharge a tough operation for all people involved. Some creative improvisation was needed to overcome the challenges posed by freezing equipment, snowfall and storm conditions. But, despite all this, a cooperative spirit between the receiving terminal and the ship's crew meant that, although with some delays, all cargo was discharged safely and as efficiently as possible given the conditions. This shipment is yet another example of the capabilities of both m.v. Happy Star and her crew, and the power of teamwork.

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