CMEC Comtrans Successfully Transports China’s First Undersea Pipe Laying Ship to Africa

On November 19, CMEC Comtrans transported the China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau’s undersea pipe laying ship CPP601. After the CPP601 was loaded onto semi-submerged ship Xiang Yun Kou, the ships slowly leaving the port marked the end of the four-day cargo loading endeavor. 

Pipe laying ships are indispensable in the construction of undersea pipelines for oil extraction projects. At 190 meters long, 38 meters wide, and 20,549 tons, the CPP601 is CNPC’s largest pipe laying ship. This was the largest and heaviest single piece of equipment ever moved by CMEC Comtrans.

The Yun Tong 501 tugboat that provided towing for the CPP601’s trip overseas was 60 meters long and weighed 3,800 tons.

CMEC Comtrans was the consigned carrier for the CPP601 and the Yun Tong 501. After accepting the project in June this year, our staff made numerous trips to the Nantong Shipyard, in order to discuss the project with the shipyard, China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau, and the ship captain and formulate a shipping plan, including the floating loading of the CPP601. At the November 14 meeting before the loading of the ship, all participating parties finalized the loading strategy and emergency plans.

On November 15, the loading proceeded as planned. After the CPP601 was towed to the designated loading site, the Xiang Yun Kou submerged to the required depth. Then, after nearly five hours, the CPP601 was fully loaded with cables and tows. The Yun Tong 501 maneuvered into place to assist in the work on the Xiang Yun Kou. That evening, Xiang Yun Kou floated there silently, and the loading was swiftly completed. In the next few days, the cargo was bound and reinforced. 

After LOC confirmed and issued a transportation certificate, Xiang Yun Kou sailed out of the harbor on November 19.

The transportation of this pipeline laying ship helped CMEC Comtrans refine its ability to deal with difficult tasks and improve team spirit. This project also tested and improved our team’s knowledge of shipping and navigation. CMEC Comtrans demonstrated the ability to transport ocean engineering equipment and handle complex logistics projects, building a good foundation for future ocean projects.