When contemplating a journey spanning thousands of nautical miles, it's crucial to factor in the weather patterns and inevitable wear and tear on both the yacht itself and its crew and engine. Your utmost priority is undoubtedly preserving the yacht's pristine condition so it arrives in top-notch shape. This calls for nothing short of exceptional coordination and handling to guarantee its safe and flawless delivery.
Successfully orchestrating the shipping of a 100-foot yacht from Miami to Australia is a meticulous operation that hinges on precise planning. It involves detailed preparations to ensure the vessel is ready for the long journey ahead, coupled with a deep understanding of the specific requirements and import regulations of the destination country for yacht shipments. Achieving this level of precision demands the expertise of a seasoned logistics team, one that possesses the knowledge and experience necessary to provide the care and attention needed for a seamless and secure shipment.
Transport Vessel Types
There are several different kinds of vessels that can accommodate shipping watercraft. A multi-purpose vessel is built to transport different types of cargo in bulk or in containers has a lift-on, lift-off crane for transferring watercraft onto the vessel. Large watercraft are often times transferred from the water directly onto the vessel using lifting slings. Divers are used to secure the watercraft prior to the crane lifting it out of the water and onto the vessel. A cradle, positioned on the deck is the secure home for the boat once it is safely transferred. Roll on –roll off (RO-RO) vessels tow the watercraft, on a trailer or cradle, into the RO-RO vessel. Another option is a container ship that positions oversize shipments, such as watercraft, between and on top of containers on a flat-rack support. This can be a preferred method as many container shipping carriers have broad, comprehensive global service networks that accommodate direct port to port shipments.
Practiced Care
Minimizing the chance of damage to the yacht, or any watercraft, requires careful preparation. Damage from exposure to winds and hazardous weather and any other risks can be prevented by protecting the yacht with shrink wrapping which provides a protective, waterproof barrier. Prior to shrink wrapping boats are secured and closed-down, exterior items are removed and locked inside the vessel.
Keep in mind that Customs and Border Protection need access to the yacht for inspections so an access point is necessary for these inspectors who must get on board for their examination.
Preparing the yacht also means a thorough cleaning and fumigation to ensure it has met the requirements of the receiving import country.For Australia, for example, from September to the end of April there’s a strict seasonal pest inspection, fumigation is 100% required. The brown marmorated stink bug is a particular concern. Australia has strict biosecurity measures to protect its environment. Cleaning and inspecting the yacht to ensure it's free from pests, marine growth such as barnacles, and contaminants that could pose a threat to Australian waters is strictly enforced.
Security Blanket
Cargo insurance plays a fundamental role in logisticsoperations, providing essential financial protection and peace of mind fromloss or damage. It is an important part of watercraft shipping that enablesshipping with confidence. ASF is prepared to help by customizing coverage to meet your cargo insurance needs.
ASF- The Human Standard in Global Logistics
Shipping high-value watercrafts requires trust and expertise in coordinating every detail, every move and caring to ensure the secure delivery of yachts, and all kinds of watercraft, to all corners of the world. You’ll feel secure knowing that ASF is by your side providing personalized, high-performance solutions and service for safe, secure global end-to-end watercraft cargo handling.
ASF provides supply chain logistics services throughout the world including all forms of transport, cargo insurance, customs brokerage, and contract management. Specializations include: Flexitanks, reefer logistics, project cargo, and vehicle and watercraft logistics.
Meet Our Expert
This article is reviewed by Jeffrey D. Plumley, Chief Commercial Officer and Licensed US Customs House Broker.
Jeff has an extensive background in global logistics, spanning various freight forwarding executive management positions. As a Licensed US Customs House Broker, he has managed regulatory compliance and is a worldwide expert in Flexitank transportation logistics.
In addition to his strong forwarding and Flexitank background, Jeff was also Head of Regulatory Compliance and Sales for a major global logistics software provider. He has over 30 years of logistics experience and a strong leadership background having graduated from the Citadel.
