Macduff Shipbuilders

  

 

CASE STUDY: Precision Marine Transport in Public Infrastructure

IDI Services Executes Complex Vessel Movement for MacDuff Shipbuilders in Buckie

Client Profile

MacDuff Shipbuilders, a renowned Scottish shipyard specializing in the design and construction of fishing vessels and workboats, required specialized heavy transport expertise for a critical vessel launch operation. With a distinguished history of building high-quality vessels in Buckie, MacDuff Shipbuilders needed a partner capable of managing the complex logistics of moving a newly constructed fishing vessel from their construction shed to the harbor slipway.

The Challenge

This project presented a unique set of logistical and operational challenges:

  • The newly constructed fishing vessel represented a substantial investment and needed to be transported without any risk of damage
  • The transport route required crossing a main public road in Buckie, necessitating careful traffic management
  • The vessel's substantial weight and dimensions demanded specialized transport equipment
  • The operation needed precise timing to align with tide schedules for the vessel's float-off
  • The slipway positioning required exceptional precision to ensure proper alignment for the vessel's entry into the water
  • Public safety considerations were paramount given the operation's visibility and proximity to public infrastructure
  • Weather conditions in coastal Buckie could potentially impact the transport operation
  • Coordination with multiple stakeholders including harbor authorities, police, and local council was essential

The Solution

IDI Services designed a comprehensive approach utilizing specialized transport technology:

Phase 1: Detailed Planning and Coordination
Our project team conducted thorough preparation work including:

  • Detailed route surveys between the construction shed and harbor slipway
  • Comprehensive weight and center of gravity calculations for the vessel
  • Development of a precise transport plan including turn radii and clearance assessments
  • Coordination with local authorities for road closure permits and police support
  • Alignment of the transport schedule with optimal tide conditions
  • Stakeholder communication plan to minimize public disruption

Phase 2: Equipment Mobilization
Based on our analysis, we deployed:

  • Two Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) specifically configured for the vessel's weight distribution
  • Each SPMT unit featured independent steering and suspension systems for precise maneuverability
  • Computer-controlled hydraulic systems allowing real-time adjustments during transport
  • Specialized vessel support frameworks to maintain structural integrity during movement
  • Communications systems enabling coordinated operation of both SPMT units

Phase 3: Vessel Extraction and Road Crossing
The operation began with the careful extraction of the fishing vessel from MacDuff's construction shed:

  • The SPMTs were positioned precisely under the vessel according to calculated support points
  • Hydraulic systems gradually transferred the vessel's weight onto the transport platform
  • Once secured, the vessel was slowly maneuvered out of the construction facility
  • At the public road crossing, operations were coordinated with police to implement a temporary road closure
  • The SPMTs' advanced steering systems enabled precise navigation through the restricted crossing point

Phase 4: Slipway Positioning and Launch Preparation
Upon reaching the harbor area, our team:

  • Executed a carefully choreographed maneuver to align the "Forever Faithful" fishing vessel (PD 289) perfectly with the slipway
  • Made precise adjustments to the SPMT configuration to accommodate the slipway's angle
  • Removed the SPMTs once the vessel was in optimal position on the slipway
  • Expertly stooled the vessel to ensure stability and proper orientation for the incoming tide
  • Secured the vessel and implemented monitoring systems to track the tide's progress
  • Maintained a vigilant presence as the tide gradually rose to float the newly built fishing boat
  • Coordinated with harbor authorities throughout the positioning and float-off process

The Results

The project was completed with exceptional outcomes:

  • Flawless transport of the valuable fishing vessel with no structural stress or damage
  • Perfect timing alignment with tide schedules for a successful vessel float-off
  • Minimal disruption to public traffic despite the major road crossing requirement
  • Precise positioning on the slipway enabling a smooth transition to water
  • Complete adherence to all safety protocols throughout the operation
  • Positive feedback from all stakeholders including local authorities and harbor management
  • Operation completed within the allocated timeframe despite challenging coastal weather conditions

Client Testimonial

"IDI Services demonstrated exceptional expertise in handling this critical vessel movement. Their use of the twin SPMT system provided the control and precision we needed for such a valuable asset. The coordination of the public road crossing was seamless, and their ability to position the vessel perfectly on our slipway for the tide was impressive. Their understanding of both heavy transport logistics and marine operations made them the ideal partner for this specialized project."

  • Operations Director, MacDuff Shipbuilders

The IDI Advantage

This project showcases IDI Services' specialized capabilities in marine vessel transport and launch operations. By deploying advanced SPMT technology and applying our expertise in complex logistics management, we provided MacDuff Shipbuilders with a seamless solution for this critical phase of their vessel delivery process.

Our understanding of the unique requirements of shipyard operations, combined with our technical capabilities in coordinating public infrastructure crossings, demonstrates why shipbuilders like MacDuff trust IDI Services with their most valuable assets.

For specialized vessel transport and launch operations that demand precision and expertise, contact IDI Services today.