Lianyungang Port Achieves First Large-Scale Capesize Vessel Full-Ship Vehicle Lifting Operation

From: Lianyungang Updated: 2025-07-20 05:42

Recently, with the final oil tank semi-trailer precisely lifted and placed onto the "Qingfuxiang" vessel at Xugou East Terminal, Dongfang Company of Lianyungang Port Holding Group achieved a record-breaking performance by loading 400 vehicles totaling 35,134 cubic meters in a single shipment. This milestone marks Lianyungang Port's first successful full-vessel vehicle lifting operation using a large Capesize vessel, representing a major breakthrough in validating the ship type's roll-on/roll-off handling capabilities. The accomplishment has opened new application scenarios and growth potential for the port's "bulk-to-general cargo" operational model transformation.

Capesize vessels, also known as Cape-size ships, derive their name from the English abbreviation "CAPE" (a transliteration of "开普"). Due to their large size, which prevents them from transiting the Suez Canal, these giant vessels must navigate around the Cape of Good Hope instead. Typically referring to large bulk carriers, Capesize vessels generally measure 250-300 meters in length with a deadweight tonnage of 150,000-200,000 tons. The world's largest Capesize vessels currently boast a deadweight capacity of approximately 300,000 tons.

Faced with the dual challenges of first-time Capesize vessel automobile logistics and midsummer heatwaves amid tight shipping schedules, the Xugou East Terminal established a comprehensive operational support system. The Cargo Management Office proactively intervened early in the process, dynamically tracking customs clearance progress and scientifically planning temporary storage layouts for 400 vehicles, achieving zero delays in port consolidation and seamless yard turnover. The Production Control Office implemented cross-terminal coordination mechanisms with Xugou West Terminal to pre-identify risk points, completing equipment allocation and contingency planning. Meanwhile, the Safety & Environmental Office pioneered a heatwave operation protocol combining "peak-avoidance work schedules, staggered shift rotations, and enhanced protective measures" to safeguard personnel and equipment while maintaining operational continuity, laying a solid foundation for subsequent efficient ship loading operations.

On the "Qingfuxiang" vessel, rows of white oil tank semi-trailers stood neatly aligned when new challenges emerged during critical loading phases. The originally planned tractor heads, due to excessive body length, struggled with maneuverability inside the ship's holds, severely impacting efficiency. The Xugou East Control Office of Dongfang Company swiftly assessed the situation and decisively adjusted the operation plan——urgently coordinating the transfer of 2 specialized tractor heads (nearly 2 meters shorter) from Xugou West Terminal. This "short-for-long" strategic substitution significantly improved cabin vehicle positioning efficiency. In later stages, facing more complex hold structures, the control office borrowed 2 additional compact tractors, leveraging their agility in confined spaces to further eliminate efficiency bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement in overall loading speed.

The record-breaking operation's success relied on multi-unit collaboration. The Port's 10th Loading Service Branch served as the core labor team, handling high-intensity, high-precision lifting and positioning tasks. At critical operation nodes, experienced operators from Xugou West Terminal's Machinery Team rushed to provide emergency support, creating seamless integration of manpower and equipment with the Automobile Transport Team. This cross-terminal and cross-unit coordination mechanism effectively relieved operational pressures, enhanced overall workflow fluidity and reliability, and provided solid assurance for safely completing the shipment on schedule.