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Interview
The demand for multi-purpose and heavy lift geared cargo vessels is rising. What’ s driving this trend, and how does it affect cargo planning strategies? Asia is the in-demand region right now, and there are some big wind energy and oil and gas projects consuming a lot of the available tonnage in the market.
Owners are looking to send their larger vessels back to Asia as soon as possible to meet their contractual demands, and finding space is challenging. Rates are high and typically need a minimum of one to two months’ lead time to secure space.
Europe and the USA are in more of a decline and we are seeing plenty of opportunities from these regions, especially back to Asia.
The geopolitical issues and unpredictability of global trade routes now need to be considered along with the array of logistical and technical considerations when overseeing the transportation of high-value marine assets on MPVs.
Agility, foresight and precision coordination is essential, for example when rapid rerouting is required due to regional conflict or geopolitical risks.
Given the geopolitical instability and increasing unpredictability of trade routes, what key considerations should organizations factor into their logistics and transport planning? With increased transit times often inevitable, it is important that cargo owners manage their expectations. We recommend working backwards from when the cargo must arrive at their destination, then add reasonable time to secure the most suitable vessel. We also advise cargo owners to start regular discussions with a shipping company much earlier so any problems which arise can be overcome.
Partnering with an experienced maritime logistics specialist, like Peters &
May, can mitigate risk for cargo owners. By applying lessons from previous projects, a consultative partner can help to avoid hidden costs caused by delays, insurance hikes and mis-cradled cargo. They will also manage forward planning, identify potential obstacles and adapt to the unexpected quickly when required.
With expertise, cargo owners have optionality – for instance, a specialist can manage cost-saving measures such as combining cargo on a scheduled MPV and will ensure any specialized cradles or other equipment is in place to prevent additional insurance premiums.
A proven logistics partner will also have experience in adapting voyage plans and rapid rerouting due to geopolitical risks and unexpected global events.
Can you walk us through what goes into planning and executing a heavylift or out-of-gauge( OOG) cargo transport? What makes these jobs particularly complex or risky? A successful and seamless operation to efficiently load, move and offload high-value assets in diverse ports globally is a multifaceted prospect which can only be achieved with the right approach and systems. Experienced decision-making capabilities and foresight are required every step of the way, from securing vessel space, scheduling and route planning, to considering options around the handling process, technical equipment, lifting methods, specialist manpower, port infrastructure, insurance and more.
For the largest cargo, extensive time is required for the technical department to produce method statements, loading securances, sea-fastening calculations, engineering of equipment or cradling- all critical to secure cargo during transportation. The larger and heavier the item the more time it can take to ensure everything is prepared and follows the safety standards. At Peters &
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