Page 16: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2020)

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Heavy Lift

Project Cargo and Heavy Lifts in the

COVID-19 Environment he year 2020 has presented a litany of go Movement should have the chance to review and com- challenges to the safe movement of ment on the method statement. During this phase, it is critical global project cargo. While heavy lifts that communication protocols and the escalation processes and engineered cargo movements al- be clearly outlined. It is critical to know whom to contact

T ways present challenges from a rigging if changes need approval or damages need to be reported. and execution standpoint, we have also Given the current changes that are impacting our industry, it faced exceptional challenges on other is also important to have a plan B is in place. There needs fronts. These have included cancelled vessel bookings, port to be enough time provided to adequately review a method facilities as well as prefabrication/modulization yard clo- statement and provide feedback. At AGCS, we require that sures, lack of vessel and facility access as well as travel re- plans be submitted 10 working days prior to cargo move- strictions. At Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), ment at a minimum. This timeline allows adequate time to we have found that focusing on some fundamental project request clari? cation or adjustment without leading to delays management principals can greatly assist in helping engi- of cargo movement. neered cargo continue to move safely and ef? ciently during these challenging times. Agree to the Plan

Formalized QA checks and signoffs are important to en-

Have a Plan sure that all parties involved are on the same page and that a

The greatest change I have witnessed in my years mov- planned cargo movement will proceed smoothly. This helps ing marine cargo is the detail that goes into the planning to ensure that no detail is overlooked. In a heavy lift, we are and execution of an engineered cargo movement. Since my only as strong as our weakest link – both literally and ? gu- early days at sea aboard an Export Lines C-3, that included ratively. Ensuring that all stake holders sign off the method hand-drawn colored stow plans and rigging the booms for statement prior to execution helps to eliminate potential dis- heavy lifts, a lot has changed. The use of detailed method ruptions. statements is one of the most important changes that has oc- curred to help ensure safe cargo movement. The fact that we Execute the Plan refer to it as an “Engineered Cargo Movement” goes to the One key to successful execution is that we agree to what root of the issue. The details of the cargo, lifting appliances, we are going to do, and we do what we agreed too. While transport and securing are all clearly speci? ed. The utiliza- this sounds simple and elementary, it really is one of the key tion of uniform standards for carriage ensure that all design aspects to a successful evolution. We do not walk onboard and securing criteria can be accurately reviewed. the day of a lift and start changing things because “this is

The method statement includes the analysis of transporta- how we always do it”. The approved method statement out- tion and handling of the cargo and is an essential risk man- lined the required steps, all parties concerned have reviewed agement tool. It should combine detailed technical data with and agreed to them, now it is time to deliver on the plan. a thorough understanding of transportation and logistics to form a comprehensive description of how the operations of Verify the Plan the entrusted cargo shall be conducted. A method statement As part of our Survey Warranty Process, we are on site is designed to ensure safe transportation operations as well to witness all cargo movements involving Project Critical as delivery of the cargo in good condition. Cargo. This is gaining increased importance during the cur- rent time as it is essential to be on deck to make sure ev-

Review the Plan eryone is on the same page. Given the current issues with

All parties involved in the execution of an Engineered Car- delayed crew reliefs as a result of COVID-19, it is important 16 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • August 2020

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.