Europe Cargo with Massive Aluminium Shipment from Antwerp
12th April 2016
Belgian PCN members, Europe Cargo are proud to report the loading of a huge amount of aluminium T-bars out of Antwerp Port destined for the USA.
A total of 39,877 loose pieces of aluminium T-bars with an individual weight of 762kgs each and dimensions of 105 x 75 x 40cm were loaded into the bulk-carrier 'Interlink Sagacity' in 5 holds from 2 loading terminals and storage areas in the Antwerp port.
Johan De Paep of the Forwarding Department at Europe Cargo was at the terminal coordinating the operations and explains the process; "During the 1st loading days whilst the vessel was empty, the cargo was loaded in blocks of 12-18 pieces by forklift onto big iron skids and moved by 2 shore cranes into position before being properly stowed by forklift. In-between the blocks, wooden planks, having been properly heat treated, fumigated, stamped and certified as per US regulations, were placed. At the end into each hold, gaps were properly loaded by 6 blocks dropstow.
The blocks were stowed 9-14 tiers high, mainly by piling them up by forklift, on top of the aluminium already loaded. Over all the gaps, driving plates were laid for forklift and stowage reasons. Wooden supports were placed over all sides and the gaps in-between the cargoes were filled up by with lashing timber before everything was sea-fastened all over with Hercules rope.
The vessel was loaded between March 1st and March 15th by 4 gangs per day before a direct call to New Orleans, USA. Europe Cargo was appointed as charterers agents and in control of the complete loading and lashing operations as well as the documentation and providing a daily update to all parties."
The photos in the thumbnail gallery below show the vast amount of cargo and the incredible work performed by Europe Cargo.
