When it comes to shipping valuable cargo, ensuring it arrives at its destination in pristine condition is of paramount importance.
Shipping cradles are specially designed structures made from materials such as wood or steel, or both, depending on whether it’s a sailboat, motor yacht or a catamaran. For over 20 years, Aurora Logistics have partnered with certified engineers and marine surveyors to ensure each shipping cradle is built specifically for your yacht.
Protection from damage is one of the primary reasons for fabricating a custom cradle. During the ship’s time at sea, all cargo onboard is subjected to various forms of stress, from waves, wind, vibrations, and shocks.
Shipping cradles along with a certified lashing arrangement are designed to absorb these forces and prevent them from affecting the cargo, minimizing the risk of damage. The goal is to reduce all unnecessary movement or shifting of the cargo during transportation, reducing the risk of rubbing, bumping, or jostling.
Proper weight distribution is also critical for safe transportation. Each cradle is designed to evenly distribute the weight of the yacht, ensuring that no single point bears an excessive load. This prevents any undue stress on the hull and again minimizes the risk of damage due to weight imbalance.
While shipping cradles require an initial investment, they can ultimately save you money by preventing damage to your yacht whilst in transit. After shipping, the cradle can be stored, sold or used again, subject to recertification.
Don’t leave the safety of your cargo to chance. If you require a cradle, send us a copy of the drawings when requesting a quote. When it comes to boating, we all know it’s better to have more information than not enough.
If you have any questions about shipping cradles, yacht transport or customs clearance, please reach out to our experienced team.
