Wind turbine blades are among the most challenging cargo types to handle at port — each blade can exceed 60 metres in length, weighs several tonnes, and has an aerodynamic profile that makes it highly susceptible to wind load and uncontrolled movement during crane lifts. The lashing systems used to secure blades on deck during ocean transit typically involve heavy-duty chain assemblies, D-shackles, purpose-built blade cradles, and multiple lashing points per blade — all of which must be systematically released, cut where necessary, and removed before the crane lift can begin. Sealion was engaged to carry out the full un-lashing, unloading, and D-shackle and plate cutting operation for a consignment of wind turbine blades discharged at the Port of Aqaba. Our team worked across the vessel's deck to release and remove the complete chain lashing assemblies securing each blade, cut the D-shackles and steel lashing plates that could not be released manually, coordinated with the port crane operators during each blade lift to ensure safe clearance and controlled lowering, and supervised the full discharge sequence from the first blade to the last. The operation visible in the project photographs — showing three large orange and white turbine blades secured on deck, the blue chain lashing assemblies in detail, the precision crane lifts with a team member guiding the load, and cutting works being performed underneath the secured cargo — captures the full scope of what Sealion's lashing and cargo operations teams are capable of handling at the Port of Aqaba. Wind turbine blade discharge requires close coordination between the lashing team, the crane operator, and the vessel's chief officer. A single misstep in releasing lashing tension in the wrong sequence can cause a blade to shift unpredictably under crane load. Sealion's team managed every stage of this operation safely, methodically, and without incident.

• Full chain lashing assembly removal completed across all wind turbine blades on deck
• D-shackles and steel lashing plates cut and removed using certified hot-work cutting procedures
• Crane discharge of all turbine blades supervised from deck with load guidance and clearance control
• Multi-blade discharge sequence coordinated safely with port crane operators and vessel's chief officer
• Zero damage to blade surfaces, cradles, or vessel deck structure throughout the entire operation
• Full un-lashing and discharge operation completed within the port's allocated vessel berth window