Working with customers that operate in many different industries has meant we have had to develop solutions dependent on the cargo to be moved.

With experience in moving cargo which because of its size, shape or weight cannot be containerized or requires special handling equipment or very close control, the staff at Fred. Olsen are qualified to help you.

We can help with project planning, route selection, packaging, haulage, cranes, overseas handling, storage, and delivery. A full breakdown of the cost will be provided in advance
 

Its not every day that we receive an enquiry from the British Royal Navy, so it was with some surprise that we received a call to ship helicopters, support personnel and equipment from the United Kingdom to the United States. Arrangements were made with the Port of Tilbury for the Sea King helicopters to be flown into the port directly alongside the vessel. After consultation with the manufacturers and the Royal Navy, a plan evolved as to how best to handle the delicate machines, with safety being of paramount importance.
 

 
Fire crews stood by as the helicopters were flown into a segregated area and, after cooling down, the machines were drained of all fuel and the rotors secured together towards the tail and nose. The vessel hold was loaded with containers in the normal way, below deck, to a height of 11 metres and artificial twin decks were loaded on top of the containers.  
     
Helicopters are designed to be top-lifted from the spindle and, after removal of the container spreader from the quayside crane, the 'choppers' were lifted by conventional container gantries, then turned 45 degrees using the swivel and lifted through the legs of the crane. Over the vessel hold, the helicopters were again turned 45 degrees
and lowered below decks on top of the platforms. 		 
     

In cooperation with Royal Naval personnel and the stevedores, the helicopters were secured safely for the 9 day transit to the United States. Experienced Fred. Olsen staff were present throughout the loading operation at The Port of Tilbury and the discharging operation at The Port of Charleston.

So pleased were the Royal Navy with our handling of the westbound movement, that Fred. Olsen and their Principals were awarded the contract to bring the Sea Kings home after the exercise with the US Navy.