WORLD RECORD: 23,000-TONNE SHIP TRANSPORTED ON 880 AXLE LINES

Using a total of 880 Scheuerle SPMT axle lines, US-based heavy-load logistics provider Fagioli transported an offshore wind turbine installation vessel weighing more than 23,000 tonnes from the port facilities onto three barges from where it was subsequently launched into the water .

Fagioli set three world records: largest number of axle lines under one load, heaviest weight moved by SPMT axle lines and the heaviest load on wheels transferred onto barges.

Positioned on 880 Scheuerle SPMT axle lines and using the thrust of 28 PPUs (Power Pack Units), the heavy-load expert transported the 23,163 tonne special ship ‘Charybdis’, a so-called Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV), from the shipyard onto the water. This is the heaviest weight ever transported on land on wheels. At the same time, the largest number of axle lines were used for transporting one single load.

PHOTOS: SCHEUERLE

On reaching the river bank, the vessel was transferred to three parallel positioned barges also by means of the 880 axle lines. With a total weight of 26,900 tonnes, this also marked a new world record: the heaviest barge load transported on wheels for boarding a ship. The WTIV was then launched into the water. Filippo Baldassari, Managing Director of TII Group, said, “The new record not only proves the superb performance of our SPMTs but it also impressively demonstrates the tireless innovative strength and determination of our customers.”

The WTIV plays a significant role in the construction of offshore wind turbines in the US. The Charybdis is the first vessel of its kind to comply with the Jones Act requirements. This stipulates that transportation between American ports may only be provided by vessels that were built in the US and owned by US citizens who hold an appropriate licence. This also applies to the transport of people and goods to offshore wind turbine facilities.