Buoy Transportation

Buoys fall into the category of large-volume, lightweight-structure, high-surface-finish floating equipment. They are mostly hollow spherical/cylindrical structures made of steel or plastic, with large volume but relatively light weight. During transport, the requirements for anti-rolling and anti-collision are extremely high.

• Spherical/cylindrical bodies are prone to rolling: the smooth curved shape cannot be placed stably on its own. Special curved cradles or positioning brackets must be used during transport to prevent rolling.

• Large volume but light weight: some large buoys can have a diameter of over 3 metres, occupying a large deck area but weighing relatively little. The effect of buoyancy forces on lashings in rough seas must be taken into consideration.

• High surface coating requirements: navigation buoys are often painted with high‑visibility coatings. The anti‑corrosion coating and identification stripes are vulnerable to scratching and must be isolated and protected during transport.

• Internal cavity structure: some buoys are filled with foam or are sealed hollow structures. Improper stress can cause shell deformation or seal failure.

• Complex auxiliary fittings: mooring rings, chain connectors, solar panels, navigation lights, and other attachments are shipped together with the buoy and must be individually secured and packed.

JYC Supply Chain: Providing a Comprehensive Integrated Logistics Service System

JYC handles a full range of buoy types, including navigation buoys, mooring buoys, anti‑pollution buoys, deep‑sea buoyancy spheres, and other marine and offshore buoyancy equipment. Based on buoy diameter and weight, we customise the transport solution and manage the entire process from port consolidation to shipment.

Domestic pick‑up → customised cradle + vessel type matching → lashing and securing → port delivery → ocean freight booking → destination delivery

Step 1: Domestic Inland Transport
Clients may either arrange delivery to our designated port consolidation yard themselves or authorise us to provide door‑to‑door pick‑up. We operate a fleet of low‑bed trailers covering major navigation aid and offshore equipment manufacturing bases nationwide. Based on buoy dimensions, we deploy the appropriate vehicle to ensure safe delivery to the consolidation yard.

Step 2: Customised Cradle + Vessel Type Matching
We customise arc‑shaped cradles or V‑shaped supports according to the buoy diameter to ensure stable support. Based on batch quantity, we select the appropriate vessel type and develop a stowage plan to make rational use of deck space.

Step 3: Lashing and Securing
All operations comply with shipping line requirements and industry standards.

Our lashing solution:

• The buoy is lifted and placed onto the customised curved cradle, with rubber mats laid at the contact points to prevent scratching of the surface coating.

• The four corners of the cradle are secured to deck lashing rings with steel wire ropes and tensioners, with tension adjusted to meet the requirements of the intended voyage area.

• Wide lashing straps are crossed over the upper part of the buoy, with rubber pads placed underneath the straps to prevent the buoy from shifting during vessel rolling.

• Protruding parts such as mooring rings and connectors are wrapped with rubber sleeves or foam padding to prevent impact.

• Auxiliary components such as navigation lights and solar panels are individually packed in wooden crates with cushioning material inside.

• When multiple buoys are shipped together, a safe clearance is maintained between units, with isolating racks or timber placed between them to prevent contact and collision.

• After the entire vessel is lashed, photographs are taken for documentation, and a lashing inspection certificate is issued.

Step 4: Port Operations
We submit the heavy‑lift operation plan to the terminal in advance, coordinate lifting and handling equipment (cranes, etc.), and use nylon slings or flat webbing slings for lifting. Dedicated supervisors oversee the loading, re‑inspect the lashing condition, and only after confirmation arrange for vessel loading. We also cooperate with customs inspections and assist with clearance procedures.

Step 5: Ocean Freight Booking
Based on buoy dimensions, weight, and destination port, we select the most suitable vessel type and route, prioritising shipping lines with proven experience in oversized cargo transport. Our main cooperating vessel types include: breakbulk / general cargo vessels and multi‑purpose vessels. We cover major ports from China to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Europe. We also provide recommendations for marine insurance solutions.

Step 6: Destination Delivery
We notify the consignee in advance of the voyage schedule and estimated time of arrival, assist with discharging and customs clearance at the destination port, and coordinate local transport resources for last‑mile delivery. Throughout the process, we provide full tracking of all logistics milestones and keep you updated with real‑time transport status.