Why Experience Matters When Marine Cargo Can’t Afford to Go Wrong
Most heavy lifts don’t fail during the crane lift, they fail in planning, when questions aren’t asked and simulations aren’t performed. At Peters & May, we don’t take the information we’re given at face value. Our Commercial, Shipbroking, Technical and Operations teams challenge it instead, asking the questions experience has taught them matter: does the ...
In the world of marine cargo, it is not the lifting process that poses the greatest risk, but rather the planning stages. Experts at Peters & May believe that questions and simulations are crucial to ensure a successful outcome. They challenge the information provided, examining the vessel's drawing, modifications, dimensions, lifting points, crane capability, cargo loading and discharge, and ultimately, the feasibility of the plan in real-world scenarios.
This proactive approach aims to identify potential complications early, minimizing unnecessary costs and delays.
Experience is the key differentiator when it comes to heavy lifts. The team at Peters & May has encountered most of the variations that can occur during a shipment, enabling them to identify potential issues and address them proactively. Their expertise lies in spotting problems that could derail a project, ensuring that the vessel, crane, and contractors are all in the right place at the right time.
Choosing the right vessel is a critical decision in any project, but it goes beyond simply finding a ship with adequate space and lifting capacity. Each vessel has unique characteristics, such as crane capabilities, deck layouts, stability, and trading routes. Even a vessel that appears suitable on paper may not be able to complete the lift safely due to crane limitations or other unforeseen challenges.
This is why vessel selection is a collaborative effort involving the Shipbroking, Commercial, and Technical teams, who work together from the outset to challenge assumptions and evaluate the engineering realities of loading and discharge.
The process continues throughout the project, with commercial decisions influencing technical planning and technical knowledge shaping commercial decisions. Robert Blades, Commercial Manager, emphasizes that the earlier Peters & May is involved, the more value they can add. Their team can identify potential issues before they become delays, provide vessel selection advice, review technical information, and work closely with customers to ensure the project is set up for success from the beginning.
A lift plan is not a static document; it evolves as new information becomes available. Even minor changes, such as an exhaust not appearing on the drawing or a previously unidentified deck structure, can significantly impact the calculations. Peters & May's approach ensures that the lift plan remains dynamic, adapting to any modifications or additions to the cargo. The technical team plans conservatively, accounting for the least favorable scenarios, thereby minimizing the risk of unforeseen complications during loading.
Ultimately, Peters & May's comprehensive approach helps customers arrange shipments and, more importantly, shape projects before they even begin. By involving the team early on, they can identify potential issues, recommend suitable vessels, review technical information, and ensure the project is set up for success from the outset.
This collaborative process sets Peters & May apart, fostering long-term relationships with customers who return for future projects, knowing they have a trusted partner to guide them through the complexities of marine cargo operations.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
