We load up these transformers ro-ro at a Nato Ramp on the Rhine in the Dusseldorf area. The final destination is a power plant near Geesthacht (Hamburg). This transportation gives us two additional challenges, namely the height and the unloading method at Geesthacht. The maximum clearance height on this inland waterway journey is 4.25 meters from the water line, with an available draft of 2.50 meters. With these data, RORO EUROPA was used, with our having to jack up the transformers. Following jacking up, 10 cm of clearance was left for sailing beneath the bridges.
The unloading location at Geesthacht is a quay wall 1.80 meters in height. After examining various options, we decided to unload ro-ro across the EUROPA's stern, because this is less expensive for the customer. Following intensive preparations, such as ballast calculations, deck load calculations and various drawings of the Nato Ramp, in the EUROPA with 12 meters of ramping, we unloaded the first transformer on 30 March last. This proceeded entirely to plan and to the customer's full satisfaction.