Modulift cradle

The modular cradle features 8 steel base units with interchangeable tower modules to support the hull and transmit and spread the dynamic forces of an ocean shipping voyage. Provision is also made for captive timber blocks to ensure exact fit to the hull shape. Designed to fit onto one truck the cradle will also be used for future transport projects, thanks to its ability to hold a wide variety of yacht size and shapes.

“Though designed initially for the Twirlybird V transportation, the modular nature of the cradle means that Complete Freight can re-use it for other boats. This re-usability is not common in superyacht cradles, making it extremely cost-effective for the customer,” comments Nick Latham, Director, MDC.

Twirlybird V, a 40.5m performance ketch, displacing 232 tonnes and with her ketch rig dismasted was loaded onto Rickmers Dalian, a Rickmers Linie heavy lift ship, on 13th October, and was delivered to Singapore on 2nd November. MDC coordinated the cradle design and manufacture, the position of the cradle on the ship and the lashing of the yacht and cradle with Rickmers and Ron Holland Design, the designers of Twirlybird V.

This is MDC’s third recent project with Complete Freight, the first being the transportation of the Yacht, Crystal Lady in September 2005. MDC has also been contracted to support the lifting and transportation of a Bertram 670 sport fisher called Voice of the Wild, which was loaded on November 2nd.

The company has designed and supplied a full lifting rig to remain with Voice of the Wild for a two year round-the-world trip comprising 3 Modulift spreader sets, all shackles and slings, rig drawings and user instructions. Complete Freight is contracted to move Voice of the Wild several times during a 2 year period, which will involve shipment of the boat with different shipping lines to some of the most exotic parts of the world.

“Our experience with MDC has been extremely positive, with several trouble free projects over the last few months. The company has designed equipment that is easy to re-use in addition to providing detailed, expert planning and support for the transportation and lifting of these vessels,” comments Simon Judson, Director, Complete Freight.