14th June 2014, KOTUG performed the transportation (for Mammoet Maritime) of the Helwin-Beta topside from Zwijndrecht (near Dordrecht) to Schiedam (close to Rotterdam) successfully.
Helwin-Beta is a converter platform of 10.200 tonnes (98*42*42, windsurface 3650m2) that was build in order of the German Tennet at the Heerema Fabrication yard in Zwijndrecht.
On the river “Oude maas” RT Magic and RT Adriaan (both 75+ tonnes BollardPull) started the towage at 08:00hrs. Because of the passage of the Spijkernisse brug and especially the Botlek bridge, both Rotortugs were connected to the H-542 in an unconventional manner. During the passage of these narrow bridges, maximum maneuverability was needed. To keep the forward thrusters, as steering thrusters, as close as possible to the H-542 “RT Adriaan” was coupled by the bow to the aft of the pontoon. A stiff connection between both vessels ensures a very direct and powerfull combination.
After passing the narrow “Heerjansdam-curve” the transport sailed with eb-tide down streams towards Spijkernisse bridge. Because passage of both bridges had to be done during slack water, a tide stop of 3 hours was held at Spijkenisse. At 15:00hrs the transport passed the Spijkenissebridge as a general practice of the much narrower Botlek bridge. At 15:45hrs Botlek bridge was passed with 3 meter space on both sides of the transport.
Transport was delivered successfully by the impressive maneuvrability of the Rotortugs and the dedicated crew of RT Magic and RT Adriaan. Less tugs then normal were used on a transport of this large size. Communication was easier and quicker thanks to the short ropes of the RT Magic and the coupled RT Adriaan made the maneuverability much more responsive. Aft (centre) thruster of the tugs were used for the headway speed of the transport. Starboard and Port thrusters were used for steering. By pointing both thrusters outside, only power setting was needed for immediately reaction on the barge.
After some more construction works and sea-fastning will be done, the transformer platform will be placed on hey jacket in the German Bight by Heerema’s crane barge Thialf.