________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UK to Namibia for the transportation of a 54-meter Fast Support Vessel YC Bora from Namibia to UAE.
Peters & May has specialist lifting and cradling equipment and a team of loadmasters who oversee all operations at the ports. Our technical team and loadmasters bring deep expertise in complex logistics, with many having served in the British Army’ s Royal Logistics Corps. Together, they offer decades of hands-on experience in loading and offloading heavy machinery, oversized equipment, or complex and challenging cargo in multiple ports globally.
Hidden costs, such as insurance hikes or delays from mis-cradled cargo, can significantly impact the bottom line. What proactive steps can companies take to avoid these? Our expertise and experience when planning operations often results in the avoidance of hidden costs. For example, the most prevalent issue we see is a discrepancy between the supplied Gross Registered Tonnage and Displacement Weight of the cargo. A world class technical team can quickly spot any errors and inconsistencies, which, if unnoticed, could result in a logistical and financial disaster. If a shipper advises the incorrect weight, the wrong type of vessel could be selected with cranes unable to lift the cargo.
Another important reason for securing the support of a qualified and experienced technical team is that, with appetite for risk so low, insurance providers are ensuring project shipments are fully up to the latest safety requirements. In our own shipments, we are seeing a growing number of requirements for surveyor sign-offs, particularly Marine Warranty Surveyors, who will review all technical documentation and report back to the insurers and give a‘ right to sail’ document.
At Peters & May, we don’ t hide any costs and will discuss what should be budgeted, based on our 50-plus years in the yacht shipping business.
In this specialist market, it is vital to separate cost from value. Commercial cargo transport of specialist items is, therefore, as much an exercise in risk management as transportation. Time management must focus on preventing delays, and having the right support can effectively give the customer time back, as well as managing expectations.
With tight vessel availability and increasing pressure on port infrastructure, how important is flexibility and adaptability in project planning today? In this new normal geo-political environment, planning ahead is critical, as well as taking a solutions-based approach. We recognize that for many customers, waiting a month for cargo to be transported is too long, whether that be heavy machinery, oversized equipment, or a complex and challenging cargo. It is important to work backward to ensure deadlines are met.
In addition to meticulous planning, a single, trusted point of contact for customer support is key – one that knows a customer’ s objectives and has familiarity with the cargo and its unique challenges. Working with a single partner means that a consultative, not commoditized approach can be taken, so that when problems do occur, solutions can be found through clear communication.
How does Peters & May’ s specialist teams and loadmasters help clients navigate this complex environment, particularly when it comes to risk-managed transport solutions? We are more than happy to navigate the pricing and the entire operation with clients. Some jobs are more complicated, and we must discuss in depth with the client what is required. We have dedicated departments that all contribute to discussions surrounding budgeting, technical support, operational
26