The Mediterranean season is about to end, see you in spring!
When we have a boat, the choice of mooring location is important, Marina Porto Antico has a unique feature: despite being located in a charming place, it is within a historic port with an internationally significant commercial dock, and just a few piers away, in the commercial area of the Port of Genoa, very delicate operations are in full swing at this time of year! We will tell you about them!
From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, a long season
Right now, the Mediterranean season is ending, giving way to the Caribbean season; and for many racing or charter yachts, it’s time to head to distant destinations.
The reasons for relocating a boat can vary: for example, some owners choose to cruise or charter outside the Mediterranean, there may be an overseas regatta, a boat to deliver abroad, or simply to showcase a new model at an international show.
Boats, yachts, and superyachts can be transported in various ways, by sea, on cargo ships, or by land.
Often, land transport is not feasible due to distance, and by sea, sailing may not be the most practical solution in terms of time and safety. Thus, ship transport is chosen.
From here, from the port of Genoa, most of the cargo ships that transport boats to other destinations, heading to milder climates, depart. Often to the other side of the world. To then return to the Mediterranean in spring.
Sea Carrier: the advantages
In many cases, cargo transport of super yachts, through specialized “Sea Carrier” agencies, is the most convenient choice for owners. The sector is continuously expanding and offers increasingly high-level services.
Sea Carriers can handle the transport of boats following all safety procedures, leaving owners and captains at ease.
This type of transport offers several advantages:
- minimal wear and tear on the boat;
- zero engine use for new boats delivered to owners;
- competition boats are delivered in the best conditions, ready for sailing;
- complete management of all transfer phases, including administrative procedures and insurance coverage.
The operations of launching and hauling the hull, rigging and unrigging the equipment, and finally the storage of boats on carriers, are very delicate phases and are carried out by qualified personnel. Using special lifting equipment, suitable for the size of the yachts to be embarked.
Three types of sea transport: Mega cargo fully equipped!
RORO (Roll-On / Roll-Off)
Boats are loaded and unloaded using a rotation system in the hold on “ferry” ships. This is the most common way to transport a boat as it is safe and requires little handling. The boat is secure for the entire journey, so the risk of damage is minimal. This type of transport is used for medium-sized boats.
LOLO (lift-on/lift-off)
When it comes to yachts that cannot be transported solely by land, lifting them is often the best solution. Special ships equipped with cranes with lifting and moving functions are used.
FLO/FLO (Float On / Float Off)
For mega yachts, the best option is the use of a “semi-submersible” transport ship (self-sinking ship). By partially flooding its holds, the self-sinking ship will allow the yacht to be transported above the carrier autonomously, before being brought dry on board. Once all necessary operations for the yacht’s safety and stability are completed, the ship will release its ballast by emptying the tanks, thus resurfacing.
All this happens every year in the Port of Genoa, near Marina Porto Antico. This is one of the many services available in our surroundings, which make our Marina so well-served for our most demanding clients!
Marina Porto Antico awaits you here.
