Offshore cargo carrying units (CCU) are standardized loading and carrying equipment designed for marine engineering operations (such as offshore oil platforms, drilling ships, subsea engineering, etc.). They are used to safely and efficiently carrying, store and manage various materials, and adapt to special environments such as high salt spray, strong vibration, and limited space at sea. Its core function is to ensure the safety of cargo carrying under complex sea conditions and facilitate the loading and unloading and scheduling of offshore platforms.

Core Features Of Offshore Cargo Carrying Units

Environmental adaptability

Use anti-corrosion materials (such as 316 stainless steel, aluminum alloy or anti-corrosion coated steel) to cope with long-term erosion by seawater and salt spray;

The structural design must meet the requirements of wind and wave resistance and turbulence resistance, such as passing the seismic and rollover resistance certification of classification societies such as DNV GL and ABS.

Standardization and modularity

Although the size is flexible (from mini boxes to large frames), it is necessary to follow the general interface standards for offshore operations (such as the location specifications of lifting points and fixed slots) to facilitate docking with cranes and platform fixing systems;

Some units can be modularly combined, such as multiple baskets carry in series, or containers converted into multi-functional operating units.

Safety and functional design

Built-in quick fixing devices (such as chain locks, magnets) to prevent cargo from shifting during carrying;

Some units are equipped with special functions, such as explosion-proof electrical systems (for carrying dangerous goods), temperature control systems (refrigerated or heated goods), and sealed cabin designs (waterproof and moisture-proof).

Common types and application scenarios

1. Container-type carrying units

Offshore mini containers: small storage units for storing tools and spare parts, usually less than 5 feet in size, suitable for narrow platform spaces;

Dry cargo storage containers: with shelves or partitions, storing food and equipment parts, some with moisture-proof and ventilation functions;

Special function containers: such as explosion-proof containers (for carrying fuel and chemicals), temperature-controlled containers (for storing medicines and food), and vacuum mud cutting containers (for drilling mud carrying).

2. Open carrying unit

Cargo basket: open top, used for hoisting large equipment and pipes, with anti-skid grille at the bottom to prevent cargo from sliding;

Half-height basket: low structure, suitable for stacking irregular cargo, with door design to prevent items from falling;

Waste skip: with lid or sealed design, collects marine operation garbage or industrial waste, some of which have fireproof function.

3. Special frame and cage

Lifting cage: used to carrying personnel or equipment, must comply with maritime life safety regulations (such as SOLAS), equipped with safety guardrails and emergency brake devices;

Gas bottle rack: fixed oxygen cylinders, acetylene cylinders, etc., anti-dumping design, with flame retardant material isolation;

Frame carrying unit: no closed structure, only provides support frame, used to carrying special cargo such as extra-long pipes and cable rolls.

4. Mobile work unit

Offshore office/accommodation cabin: a carrying modular living and office space with integrated water, electricity and air conditioning systems, which can be quickly deployed after arriving at the platform;

Offshore chiller/freezer container: integrated refrigeration equipment, carrying fresh food or medical supplies, with a temperature control accuracy of ±2°C.

Standards And Certifications For Offshore Cargo Carrying Units

International standards: must comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code);

Industry certification: structural strength tests, securing system certification, and offshore operation safety assessments (such as HAZID) by classification societies such as DNV GL, ABS, and LR;

Special requirements: for extreme environments such as the Arctic, the carrying unit must pass low-temperature antifreeze certification; when carrying dangerous goods, it must meet the explosion-proof level (such as ATEX/IECEx).