Freight Wings executes complex operation
In a remarkable feat of engineering prowess, the Mumbai Coastal Road Package 2 project witnessed the successful installation of 2,500 tons Arch Bridge of 143.3 x 31.8 x 31.27 dimensions by Freight Wings Pvt Ltd https://fwpl.in/ .
The Rs.2,126 crore Mumbai Coastal Road Package 2 project (see picture) is executed by HCC-HDC, an Indian-South Korean JV, http://hccindia.com and demanded the fabrication and installation of six composite spans, ranging from 60 x 29 x 2.95 meters and weighing between 350 to 600 metric tons, alongside two arch spans of unprecedented dimensions: 143.3 x 31.8 x 31.27 meters, weighing 2000 and 2400 metric tons, respectively http://hdc-dvp.com .
Freight Wings was tasked with the formidable challenge of lifting, transporting, and installing these colossal structures, opting for the float-over method due to the shallow draft and anticipated weather conditions, including significant wave heights of up to 1.5 meters, project consultants DreamWork Solutions Pvt Ltd https://dws.com.np/ said on 24 May.
To execute this complex operation, Freight Wings deployed an extensive array of specialized equipment, including a fleet of 250-class barge with Tugs, 120 self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), 32 strand jacks ranging from 200 to 980 metric tons capacity each, Quick-lowering long stroke tidal jacks of 5,000 metric tons capacity, Heavy-duty tower modules, Mooring winches, Rapid Ballast systems, and Leg mating units https://www.conexpoconagg.com/ .
Preparation for the installation commenced in January 2024, with the first composite span successfully installed on February 1st, followed by three more by 26 March https://www.ibef.org/ .
However, as weather conditions deteriorated, particularly in April, innovative changes were incorporated into the engineering design, including the introduction of a two-body system and the deployment of a 110 x 64 x 6-meter barge weighing 25,000 DWT to ensure the safety of operations https://attentionindia.com/ .
On 14 April, the first arch span was loaded onto the barge and sailed for the installation site on 24 April, culminating in its safe installation on 26 April 2024 at 0320 hours. The largest arch span, weighing 2,500 metric tons, was loaded out on 9 May and successfully installed on 15 May 2024, after meticulous planning and consideration of weather forecasts https://www.constructionworld.in/.
This groundbreaking achievement marks the first-time utilization of the float-over methodology and Leg Mating units in open seas for superstructure installation in India http://niti.gov.in .
Pioneering methods such as the two-body methodology, leg mating units, quick-lowering long stroke tidal jacks, rapid ballast systems, and strand jacks for sea-fastening have not only overcome weather challenges and site conditions but also signify a significant advancement in construction and offshore projects in India. Fiinews.com
