A major transport was performed by HTV BigLift Baffin when she took the jackup rig Tchendo 2 from Flushing, The Netherlands to Gabon.

The 10,000 mt rig was stationed in the port of Flushing, where the BigLift Baffin loaded her in a meticulously engineered “float-under/lower rig down” operation. BigLift Baffin eased backwards under the rig’s triangular body of 80 metres each side, whereafter the rig lowered itself down her poles to come to rest on the vessel's deck. Further extending the legs raised the feet until a metre out of the water. By that time the top of the cargo was 130 m above the water level.

With such high cargo and so little space between the feet and the sea, a smooth trip was of the essence. However, on her way through the English Channel and the Bay of Biskay, bad weather abounded and she had to find sheltered space to ride out the storm. In the end, in good cooperation with the client a good window was found to continue the voyage to the South.

The rig was discharged in Gabon, chosen for its sheltered bay off Port Gentil. Once delivered, the rig was to be towed to Point Noire for its final position.