Underwater Restaurant Heads for the Maldives
NEW ZEALAND – MALDIVES – As usual possibly the weeks most interesting trade story tells of another project freight movement concerning a most unusual cargo. Last week it was dozens of priceless thoroughbred horses, this time it’s the world’s largest underwater restaurant!
The Maldives is fearful of being overcome by the rising tide as global warming takes effect but the 13 metre stairwell which lets diners descend to their repast will allow them to undergo a unique underwater dining experience with panoramic views of surrounding marine life, including replanted corals, when it opens in August this year at the brand new resort of Hurawalhi.
Moving such an unusual cargo took 12 months of detailed planning based on logistic group GAC’s proven CAD-assisted lifting and lashing calculations to prepare the structure’s voyage. The first stage involved transporting the 410 tonne load 8 kilometres by road quickly, safely and without incident from the construction company’s yard at New Plymouth in New Zealand to Port Taranaki.
The restaurant was lifted onto a 200 wheel trailer with the help of four trucks, two pulling, one pushing and a fourth on standby for backup. The road trip to the port started at 11pm, due to local traffic regulations for heavy loads, and 12 hours later, it was lifted onto Jumbo Maritime’s vessel Fairlane, after just half an hour of preparatory procedures and two hours ahead of schedule. Next came the lashings, welding, securing and protection of the load. A video of the ship leaving the port can be seen here below.
When the restaurant is fitted into position food will be prepared on land, then transported to the 24 guests waiting in the dining area further below sea level than any other underwater restaurant in the world. Later, it will be available for wedding ceremonies and as a honeymoon suite. The entire operation was planned and overseen by Captain Per Thörnblom, GAC’s Group Project Logistics Manager, who observed:
“After lengthy and detailed preparations, it’s a big relief to know the restaurant is now safely en route. Depending on stopovers, weather and other factors, we hope that the Fairlane will arrive at the brand new resort of Hurawalhi during the first week of March. The precious cargo will then be lifted from the ship and positioned onto 8 and 14 metre piles. That’s the final stage and one GAC and myself are really looking forward to witnessing.”
