The JSI Alliance has successfully completed a major heavy-lift project in India for Afcons Infrastructure Limited, supporting the construction of a new liquid cargo berth at Gujarat Chemical Port Ltd. (GCPL).
Under the contract, the JSI Alliance executed critical heavy-lifting operations involving the installation of eight jackets and 15 berthing dolphins, each weighing between 500 and 600 tonnes, at an outreach of 10 metres.
The project presented significant engineering challenges due to the site’s 10-metre tidal variation, currents reaching 5 knots, and a sandy seabed that limited conventional mooring options. Operations were further complicated by the need to carry out installation activities without disrupting cargo handling at two active berths, resulting in severe space constraints.
To meet these challenges, the Alliance mobilised its heavy-lift vessel Jumbo Javelin, equipping it with a flyjib to handle the required lifting operations. Mobilisation began on 3 November and took 15 days, during which the vessel was specially configured for the project.
The vessel was fitted with a customised eight-point heavy-duty mooring system designed to withstand the demanding tidal and seabed conditions. The arrangement utilised 17-tonne anchors, 64 mm and 52 mm mooring lines with a minimum breaking load of approximately 300 tonnes per line, and custom-built 250-tonne winches. Eight winches were installed instead of four to provide additional redundancy and enhance operational safety.
To withstand the substantial operational loads, the Jumbo Javelin was structurally reinforced with additional steel. Anchor handling support vessels installed the mooring spread during narrow four-hour tidal windows when currents were at their weakest. Once connected, the vessel remained moored for several days at a time, allowing installation work to proceed without interrupting port operations.
The first loadout commenced from Dighi Port on 3 December, with the vessel completing six voyages during the project. The final structure was installed on 14 March, after which the vessel returned to Dighi Port for demobilisation, completed in just 7.5 days. The vessel subsequently sailed to Singapore to return equipment, with final discharge completed in two days, marking full project completion on 6 April.
Commenting on the achievement, Robert de Waard, Project Manager at the JSI Alliance, said the project’s successful completion reflected the teamwork, technical expertise and commitment of everyone involved. He thanked Afcons Infrastructure for its close collaboration throughout the project and acknowledged the support of suppliers Franklin Offshore International, Mooreast Asia, and Seacontractors, whose vessels assisted with anchor handling operations.
The project highlights the JSI Alliance’s capability to deliver complex offshore heavy-lift solutions in challenging marine environments while maintaining uninterrupted port operations.
