In the heart of Autreville-sur-Moselle, next to the Moselle River, a remarkable engineering feat was executed by Sarens for our client Baudin Chateauneuf.

The meticulous planning phase addressed specific challenges head-on:

·       The project necessitated the installation of Chevêtre P1 during a tight timeframe where the Moselle was completely closed for six hours.

·       Moreover, the team had to create a solution with a barge with a capacity of 290T to accommodate Chevêtre P1 and fit between Piles P1, posing a unique challenge.

To address these challenges, specialised equipment comprising of Sarens Modular Barges (SMBs), SPMTs, Ballast Pumps BE200, and Hydraulic Winches were deployed. Each equipment was selected to ensure efficiency, safety, and precision. The choice of equipment was driven by the need to maintain barge stability during load-out and installation, a critical consideration in such intricate projects.

All equipment was transported to the site via trucks, with barge materials sourced from the yard in Ghent and additional materials from the yard in Wolvertem. Mobilisation was done through 33 trucks and took one week. The assembly of equipment, including SMBs, SPMTs, winches, and pumps, took two weeks. Despite challenges such as the absence of a proper quayside, the team overcame obstacles with innovative solutions, ensuring successful coupling and installation.

The Chevêtre P1 weighed 290T and measured 3.2m in height, 35.5m in length, and 4.9m in width. The lift demanded precise planning and execution. With only a six-hour window due to the canal closure, time was of the essence.

Transport and loadout with SPMTs and installation with barge and winches posed significant challenges. The crane, stationed at the job site for three weeks, navigated through unique logistical challenges, including the presence of high-voltage electricity cables. However, a dedicated team of seven personnel, including supervisors and operators, ensured smooth operations throughout. While weather conditions remained favorable, the team remained vigilant, consistently monitoring water velocity to maintain safety standards. Their expertise and precision were instrumental in the successful completion of the lift.