Collaboration overcomes challenge with complex G4 Catamaran shipment

DNA performance sailing G4 Catamaran transported from Lelystad to Auckland

Collaboration, Communication and an unshakable Can-do attitude! All essential ingredients in the management and execution of complex bespoke logistics projects. Transporting this 40ft Foiling Catamaran across the world was no different for world-renowned bespoke logistics supplier Peters & May. Specialists in Racing Yacht Logistics, the team took on this exciting project, working closely alongside agents, shipping partners and trusted suppliers.

Built in its Lelystad Factory the G4 Catamaran was destined for Oceania, where she will very shortly be loaded aboard a luxury superyacht in New Zealand. Ready for her owner to crane her into the ocean and go sailing – an exciting future awaits.

Peters & May present the end-to-end journey of the G4’s transportation, exploring the challenges and complexities projects such as this can present.

The Journey begins…

The transportation of the racing yacht started with the design of a bespoke cradle. This is essential in the safe storage of any yacht. Having built the G4 Catamaran, DNA performance sailing, a leader in the production of technically advanced composite racing yachts and structures, worked closely with the client to design a bespoke storage cradle based upon a variety of requirements. The cradle needed to be lightweight, for storage aboard the Superyacht; with the addition of a special walkway incorporated into the cradle, enabling the owner to climb on board with ease.

Sven Erik Janssen, co-founder at DNA performance sailing comments: “Working closely with the client we developed a bespoke cradling solution. Using a lightweight carbon fibre, the cradle was built with numerous lashing points and the ability to eventually bolt the cradle in place to the helipad aboard the Superyacht.”

Once the cradle was complete it was time to talk transport, with Peters & May arranging the shipment from Lelystad over to Fremantle, Australia.

Lelystad to Rotterdam

The bespoke cradle was trucked from DNA performance sailing by Van De Wetering Transport to a staging area in Swifterbant, 13km Northeast of Lelystad. Situated next to a complex intercoastal waterway, the cradle and G4 were then loaded onto a barge and shipped to Rotterdam port.

Rotterdam to Fremantle

With a long-standing relationship in place between Peters & May and the world-renowned container carrier CMA CGM, it was an obvious choice for the first long leg of the G4 Catamaran’s journey. This stage involved the loading of the yacht and bespoke cradle, along with the mast by Peters & May’s expert Loadmasters onto MV CMA CGM Corneille in Rotterdam.

Like with most complex or unusual shipments, stowage plans had to be carefully prepared by Peters & May’s Technical Team and Loadmasters. Usually, masts would be stowed into a walkway or between a lashing bridge at point of loading. Unfortunately, with the rig having spreaders attached; it was too wide to be stowed in this way. The team instead loaded the mast and placed it diagonally across a bed of 40ft flat racks in the hold of the vessel. With the cradle structure placed over the top of it, the catamaran was then placed on top of its cradle. Safely loaded the G4 was soon on its way!

Travelling for 41 days via the Med, Egypt, Suez Canal and Reunion Island, 9,569 nautical miles later the vessel arrived in Fremantle, Australia, where the discharge of the yacht was managed by Peters & May’s trusted agent ‘down under’ Aurora Global Logistics.

Fremantle to Auckland

Having arrived at Fremantle, plans changed for the G4. The Superyacht she was due to be loaded onto had changed its cruising schedule and was now heading to Auckland, New Zealand. Despite the short distance, there was no direct route available to ship the G4 to Auckland from Fremantle. Using Peters & May’s strong relationships with agents and logistics providers worldwide; teams working alongside the yachts agent in Australia Echo Yachts, arranged the G4’s shipment with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.

Working in conjunction with the yacht’s agent in New Zealand 37 South, the G4 was shipped onward to New Zealand, Auckland bound. Loaded by Aurora Logistics’ appointed Loadmaster in Fremantle, the G4 yacht was shipped to Tauranga, New Zealand. Upon arrival 19 days later, TNL International handled the arrival and barging of the G4 to Auckland where she was carefully discharged at site 18 marine precinct. Once the Superyacht arrives she will be loaded onboard.

Craig Stanbury, Global Operations Director for Racing at Peters & May gives his thoughts on the project: “This shipment is a great example of the strength of Peters & May’s global network. Complex projects such as this require forward thinking, bespoke plans and collaboration with logistics partners and agents worldwide.”