Helping to alleviate inevitable delays to breakbulk cargo

The recent arrival at the Port of Durban of a 72-ton, 16-metrelong drum from the Dongfang Boiler Group in China destined for the Maamba Collieries in Zambia was all in a day’s work for machine moving and rigging specialists Lovemore Bros. “It was discharged from the vessel directly onto our low-bed trailer and transported to our facility in Bayhead where it remained in transit until we received clearance to transport it to Zambia,” said joint MD Bruce Lovemore. The drum is part of a coal-fired power plant being established at Maamba to cater for the growing demand for power in the region. “At busy ports one of the most frustrating issues is the inevitable delays when it comes to the loading and offloading of breakbulk cargo,” says Lovemore. “Correct transport, qualified crews, permits, temporary storage facilities and customs clearance are just a few of the issues that shippers have to contend with.” At Durban these delays are often exacerbated because of the sheer volume of cargo that enters and leaves the harbour, said Lovemore. With the modern methods of offloading, which generally use the vessel’s own gear, it’s imperative that the correct vehicle is available for this direct discharge method, he added. “It’s no good dispatching a vehicle that can’t take the load.” According to Lovemore this happens all too often – and it’s of grave concern to project managers because in the event of injury or damage insurance companies will not consider claims if rules are not followed. Lovemore has a range of low-bed trailers that can accommodate most breakbulk freight as well as a laydown area for the staging of cargo. “We have a large, secure and accessible facility in Bayhead which includes a 225 ton lifting capacity,” he said. CAPTION Lovemore’s fleet of low-bed trailers ensures the right method of transport is provided first time every time.