United Heavy Lift transported four 355-tonne Integrated Template Structures from Gdańsk, Poland, to Norway aboard UHL Force, completing a tightly engineered heavy-lift operation involving limited deck space and challenging berth conditions.
Awarded by K2 Project Forwarding on behalf of SLB OneSubsea, the project involved four structures each measuring approximately 19 x 24.8 x 17.2 metres. Together, the cargo represented around 1,420 tonnes.
With little clearance available on deck, United Engineering Solutions developed the lifting, stowage, weight distribution and sea-fastening arrangements before the vessel arrived at the loading quay.
UHL Force operated with 6-metre crane extensions to provide the additional lifting height required. Its two cranes each offer 450 tonnes of capacity, providing up to 900 tonnes in combined lifting mode.
Loading at Five Whistle Quay in Gdańsk presented an additional challenge. Located on a corner of the Martwa Wisła River, the berth was shorter than the vessel, leaving the stern extending into the river channel. UHL Force also exceeded the quay’s normal vessel-size limit, requiring special berthing permission.
The four structures were loaded and secured within four days. Around 600 stoppers were installed and welded as part of the sea-fastening arrangement before departure.
Following loading, UHL Force sailed to Norway on a voyage of approximately 2.5 days, where all four structures were safely delivered.
“UHL offers an excellent combination of versatile vessels, a highly competent engineering department, hands-on operational expertise, and a solution-oriented chartering and project team,” said Odd Pedersen, Head of Chartering at K2 Project Forwarding AS.
