Geared Vessel Technical Specifications

Ensuring Independent Discharge Capabilities in Infrastructure-Challenged Ports.

In high-friction logistics, the presence of on-board discharging gear is often the difference between a successful fixture and a multi-million dollar demurrage claim. At SanctionedShipping.com, we specialize in sourcing and vetting Geared Tonnage—vessels that carry their own "independent" discharge solutions for ports where shore-side cranes are damaged, non-existent, or unreliable.

Why "Geared" is the Standard for High-Friction Trade

Ports in conflict zones or developing regions often suffer from a lack of "Shore-to-Ship" infrastructure. We prioritize geared vessels to ensure:

  • Independence: Discharge can commence immediately upon berthing without waiting for shore crane availability.

  • Flexibility: The ability to work at "non-traditional" berths or anchorages if a primary terminal is blocked.

  • Redundancy: Protecting the charterer against local power outages or shore-side mechanical failures.

Technical Vetting Parameters for Vessel Gear

We do not take "Geared" status at face value. Our vetting desk verifies the following technical data points before recommending a vessel:

1. Crane Capacity (SWL)

We verify the Safe Working Load (SWL) of all deck cranes. For project cargo or heavy machinery, we ensure the cranes can work in "tandem" if required.

  • Standard Requirement: Minimum 30–35 MT SWL for bulk operations.

  • Vetting Action: We review the latest Annual Crane Survey and load-test certificates.

2. Outreach and Radius

A crane’s lifting capacity drops as its arm extends. We calculate the Maximum Outreach to ensure the vessel can reach the center of the pier or the receiving hopper/trucks, accounting for the vessel’s beam and the pier's height.

3. Grab Specifications (For Bulk Cargo)

For grain, fertilizer, or coal, the vessel must be equipped with high-efficiency grabs.

  • Radio-Controlled Grabs: We prioritize vessels with modern, remote-operated grabs to increase discharge speed and crew safety.

  • Capacity: We match grab volume ($m^3$) to the specific density of your cargo.

4. Auxiliary Power & Fuel Consumption

Operating four heavy-duty cranes simultaneously puts massive strain on a vessel's auxiliary engines. We review:

  • Generator Capacity: Can the vessel run all gear plus internal systems without "blacking out"?

  • Fuel "While Working": We provide transparent estimates of daily MGO (Marine Gas Oil) consumption during discharge to prevent "hidden" bunker costs.

Geared Vessel Categories We Source

Vessel ClassTypical DWTGear ConfigurationBest ForTweendecker5k – 15k2 x 60MT CranesProject Cargo / General AidHandysize28k – 38k4 x 30MT CranesGrain, Steel, CementSupramax50k – 60k4 x 35MT + GrabsBulk Aid / Infrastructure

The "Cold Port" Protocol

For ports like Hodeidah (Yemen), where technical support is zero, we enforce a "Cold Port" Spare Parts Requirement. We verify that the vessel carries:

  • Emergency hydraulic hoses and seals for cranes.

  • Spare grab parts (seals, radio controllers).

  • Experienced deck engineers capable of "on-the-fly" repairs to prevent laytime stoppages.

Verify a Vessel’s Gear

Do you have a specific vessel under consideration? Our technical desk can pull the Latest Gear Status Report to ensure the "owner's description" matches the actual operational capability.

Contact the Technical Desk: