Ship-to-ship transfer

Bontrup Logistics transports more than 12 million tons annually with self-unloading vessels. Often cargo is unloaded directly at terminals (ship-to-shore), but Bontrup has also specialized in delivery to locations without port, wharf or other infrastructure. At these locations, the stone is transferred via ship-to-ship (STS) transfer methods to other ships or floating equipment owned by the contractor - worldwide, even in the most remote locations.

Depending on the project, we can:

• Transship offshore grades with upper size of about 200mm via our vessels equipped with conveyor belt systems;
• Transfer heavy armour rock over 10 tons weight to barges with our self-unloading bulk carriers equipped with specially developed rock grabs;
• Directly supply project vessels such as side stone dumping vessels (SSDV), split barges, flat top barges or fallpipe vessels (FPV).

Working at open sea
Our ship-to-ship transfer operations often takes place in open water, exposed to wind, waves and currents. This requires special techniques and thorough preparation. Bontrup works closely with their customers and with specialized partners conducting MetOcean studies and Ship Motion studies. These analyses provide insight into:

• local wave and wind conditions,
• movements of ships and cranes,
• the safe and workable "operational window."

Safety is at the heart of every step; from planning to execution. Depending on the project, the vessel is secured on its own anchors or with a special buoy system.

Customized logistical concepts
Bontrup has broad experience with a variety of STS operations, including:

• Transfer to pontoons and barges,
• Supplying modern fall pipe ships,
• Direct loading of side stone dumping vessels (SSDV) and split barges,
• Providing an integrated logistics concept with a Floating Transfer Station (FTS). With this solution one self-unloading vessel remains on the project site to feed the installation vessels, while other 'feeder' vessels provide the supply of stone.

For handling heavy rock armour, Bontrup has developed its own spider grabs, including special Booster-Grabs, which allow fast and safe handling of stones over 10 tons in weight.

Qua Patet Orbis
With a global network of quarries, a specialized team and smart logistical concepts, Bontrup has built an impressive STS track record. From the Arctic Ocean to the Caribbean, from the North Sea to the vast Pacific.

Qua Patet Orbis: 'As far as the world extends, we can deliver.'