Galt Transport delivers Dunkirk little ship

/ Galt Transport/
A Tandem crane lift was used to unload Skylark IX in Irvine

A Tandem crane lift was used to unload Skylark IX in Irvine

Galt Transport was recently involved in the transportation and unloading of Dunkirk little ship Skylark IX as the vessel starts the next stage of her recovery.  The high profile job utilised a great range of equipment including a 5-axle steering semi low trailer, Artic Hiabs working in tandem and spreader beams, all expertly handled to transport and unload this delicate vessel.

Skylark IX’s story is known by many, and with the 76th anniversary of Operation Dynamo approaching, it’s a timely reminder of the job this brave little ship performed rescuing over 600 men from the shores of Dunkirk.

Over the course of two days, the vessel was hoisted on to Galt’s 5-axle Nooteboom steering semi-low loader trailer at Rothesay Docks, Clydebank.  The fragile vessel was then taken to Dumbarton Maritime Museum where a public reception was held the following morning before her onward journey to the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine for full restoration. 

To unload the vessel in Irvine, Galt performed a tandem Hiab lift using a PK88 and PK78 Palfinger crane.  Due to the size of the vessel two modular lifting beams were set at 5m to span the hull of the ship.  The beam was then attached to each crane in order to reduce the strain on the hull during the lift. 

Andrew Galt, Operations Director said ‘The combined lifting capacity of the cranes is over 20 tonnes, and while the vessel weight was much less than this, having the extra capacity allowed the vessel to be unloaded in a single smooth motion without any difficulties’.

The vessel is expected to spend the next 18 months to two years at the Maritime Museum where she will be restored to her former glory.

Galt Transport have been operating a diverse transport and haulage fleet since 1947.  The family run business operates throughout the UK, Ireland and the EU from 4 operating centres in Central Scotland.  The company has a modern fleet of over 60 trucks and 100 trailers from varying manufacturers in an effort to maintain a truly flexible fleet.  The company also offers storage facilities and driver training school.