RSL Shipping Singapore Handles Complicated Transshipment for O&G Equipment to Balikpapan, Indonesia

Our client chose Singapore as the transshipment point for a shipment of heavy heat-exchanger equipment and parts originating from Brazil, destined for a private Oil & Gas terminal in Balikpapan, Kalimantan Indonesia [cargo total invoice value above USD 2 million].

Although Singapore is proximate to the consignee’s private jetty at Balikpapan, connectivity ex-Singapore was difficult due to the lack of suitable heavy lift self-geared vessels within Southeast Asia needed to provide hook-to-hook terms for the three heavy crates of GW 44 MT each.

As cargo volume at 330 cbm was relatively small, chartering a heavy lift, self-geared MPP vessel would have been too costly with the vessel likely much larger than needed. RSL Shipping then found cost-effective solution with a voyage charter of 800 DWT LCT. But as the LCT was gearless, we also had to source a heavy crane operator at the private terminal to provide safe discharge, which proved to be a challenge, as such equipment was rare.

Cargoes were delivered FCL mode directly ex-hook from first leg container vessel upon arrival at Singapore PSA Container Terminal and shifted directly to Singapore’s only breakbulk terminal at Jurong port for unstuffing and transfer onto trailers as breakbulk. Cargoes were then directly loaded on the LCT which sailed directly to Balikpapan to meet the critical project deadline.

The dedicated LCT arrived at Balikpapan terminal 5 days later; in time to berth directly without waiting at anchorage under prior arrangements made by RSL with management of receiver’s private jetty to avoid berthing delays. Then a 150-ton mobile crane was specially hired and commenced discharge immediately upon berthing. The entire operation was completed within 3.5 hours, upon which off-hire of LCT commenced.

As the LCT had to berth at a specific part of the wharf specially reinforced with concrete pillars to withstand heavy lift discharge with mobile crane and use of heavy lowbed trailers for direct ex hook import delivery, we had to plan with port the manager and cargo receiver to allocate a time gap and seek a suitable berth to facilitate safe discharge and avoid undue charter time loss by all stakeholders. Advance documentation for import clearance was also arranged. Customers were satisfied with the overall efficiency, costs and outcome.

Wee Kwok Seng/Wiliam Pun: RSL Shipping Singapore, 20 June 2023

Please contact: WEE KWOK SENG -?[email protected]

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