Successful Vessel Transfer Using Hongruntong Marine Air Bags for a US Shipyard

Successful Vessel Transfer Using Hongruntong Marine Air Bags for a US Shipyard

Client Background
 

A mid-sized ship repair yard in the Gulf Coast, USA, was contracted to perform annual maintenance and hull preservation on a 1,200-ton cargo vessel. The shipyard's traditional fixed slipway was insufficient for the diverse range of modern vessels they serviced. Using permanent infrastructure was often costly and inflexible. They urgently needed a safe, economical, and adaptable solution to transfer the cargo vessel from the water to a designated onshore maintenance area.

The Challenge

1. No Dedicated Transfer System: The shipyard lacked a permanent dry dock or synchrolift suitable for a vessel of this size.

2. High Cost and Low Flexibility: Renting a large floating crane or constructing a temporary railway was prohibitively expensive and time-consuming.

3. Complex Terrain: The beach profile and soil conditions at the transfer site posed a significant challenge for conventional methods.

4. Safety Concerns: The stability and structural integrity of the vessel during the transfer were paramount. Any miscalculation could result in millions of dollars in damages.

The Solution: A Customized Hongruntong Marine Air Bag System

After evaluating multiple options, the shipyard partnered with Hongruntong Marine, a manufacturer with over 30 years of specialized experience. Our technical team responded promptly:

1. Site Survey & Technical Assessment: Our engineers conducted a detailed analysis of the beach slope, ground bearing capacity, tidal data, and the vessel's hull form and weight distribution.

2. Customized Air Bag Solution: Based on the data, we designed a system utilizing 12 high-capacity Hongruntong Marine Air Bags. The bags are manufactured using our proprietary multi-ply reinforced synthetic rubber and high-tensile cord fabric, ensuring exceptional pressure resistance, impact strength, and abrasion durability.

3. Full Technical Support & Training: Hongruntong provided not only the highest-quality products but also an experienced on-site supervision team. We conducted comprehensive operational training for the shipyard's crew and oversaw all critical steps to ensure a flawless operation.

Implementation Process

1. Preparation: During low tide, roller paths were prepared on the seabed, and the Hongruntong air bags were strategically positioned according to the planned layout.

2. Inflation & Lifting: Using high-capacity air compressors, the bags were inflated simultaneously. Thanks to their excellent concentricity and uniform inflation characteristics, the vessel's hull was lifted from the water smoothly and evenly.

3. Transfer Onshore: Coordinated with a winching system, the vessel was safely and steadily moved onto the shore-based maintenance platform by rolling the air bags. The process was as controlled and stable as "moving a giant on rollers."

4. Re-launch: Upon completion of repairs, the process was simply reversed to safely return the vessel to the water.

Results Value Delivered

• Significant Cost Reduction: The Hongruntong Air Bag solution saved the client over 60% in costs compared to renting a large floating crane.

• Dramatic Efficiency Gains: The entire transfer was completed in a matter of hours, with setup finished in under a day. This drastically shortened the project timeline, allowing maintenance to begin earlier.

• Uncompromised Safety: The vessel remained perfectly stable throughout the lifting and moving process, with zero risk of structural damage or listing, thereby fully protecting the client's valuable asset.

• Unmatched Flexibility: This project proved the shipyard could now handle a wide variety of vessel sizes and types without relying on fixed infrastructure, significantly expanding their business capabilities.

• Environmentally Friendly: The entire operation was clean, quiet, and had zero impact on the local marine and coastal environment.

Client Testimonial

We had initial reservations about using air bag technology, but the expertise of the Hongruntong team and their absolute confidence in their product's quality convinced us. The results were astounding! The operation was smooth, safe, and exceeded our expectations in every way. Hongruntong is not just a supplier; they are a strategic partner in solving our biggest challenges. We will continue to use their products and services for all future projects."
— Project Manager, US Shipyard

Why Choose Hongruntong Marine Air Bags?

• 30+ Years of Specialist Manufacturing: We understand the demanding requirements of marine operations. Every product is built on decades of refinement.

• Premium Materials & Craftsmanship: We use imported raw rubber and high-tensile cord fabric to ensure durability and safety under extreme working conditions.

• End-to-End Technical Support: We provide a complete solution, from initial design to on-site supervision, ensuring our clients' success.

• Proven Global Track Record: Our products and services have been successfully deployed in shipyards, ports, and salvage operations across dozens of countries worldwide.

Let Hongruntong be the foundation of your next marine project's success.

Contact Us:

Company: Hongruntong Marine

Specialization: Marine Air Bag Manufacturer & Solutions Provider (30+ Years of Excellence)

Website: [https://www.hongruntongmarine.com/]

Email: [sales@hongruntongmarine.com]

Tel: [+86-10-89461910]