International freight forwarder Fracht USA/Germany completed one of the heaviest project cargo lifts ever at the Port of New Orleans on January 12 by successfully discharging a 718-ton, 164-foot-long absorption tower from ship-to-barge.
The cargo arrived aboard the SAL heavy lift ship M/S Amoenitas at the port’s Louisiana Avenue Terminal on January 10 after a 45-day voyage from Shanghai. The lift was completed two days later by SAL Heavy Lift, Fracht, Roll-Lift, McDonough Marine and the terminal’s stevedore – Coastal Cargo Company LLC.
"This lift underscores the Port of New Orleans’ ability to handle the largest and most complex cargo in the industry," said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange, PPM®. "Our stevedores have realized a real boost in project cargo in the past year, due to the historic industrial expansions and new construction both on the Lower Mississippi River and along the Gulf Coast."
The absorption tower is destined for a major plant project in Donaldsonville (LA) on the Mississippi River, about 75 upstream from the port.
Fracht officials said the successful move took more than a year of careful planning.
"When you look at this move, project forwarding isn't just calling the vessel lines and calling the stevedore," said Reiner Wiederkehr, Fracht’s Chief Operating Officer. "There are so many things involved with such a huge task. The port and Coastal Cargo have been very accommodating and helpful, but we picked the port for a reason – they have the best people to handle this type of cargo."