Lift of S/Y Foiling Baltic 111
When the 111-foot sailing yacht arrived at IMM Guadeloupe, the Captain had requested alongside dock and storage of 7 x 40-foot containers. The IMM Guadeloupe team was prepared for a straightforward project.
A Shift in Scope, A Swift Response
Originally tasked with providing only dock access and on-site storage, the IMM Guadeloupe team received an unexpected request upon the vessel’s arrival:
Can you haul out the vessel?
With the yacht displacing approximately 50 tons, this was no small ask. What followed was a high-level display of coordination, engineering, and precision logistics, executed in record time.
IMM immediately initiated a technical review with a trusted crane operator to evaluate the feasibility of a haul-out.
The proposed solution: a fully equipped 400-ton crane, with a lifting capacity of 207 tons, which would be sufficient for this operation.
The challenge? The crane’s total lifting pressure would exert approximately 100 tons per leg—a ground load requiring meticulous structural planning.
Engineering Ground-Up Solutions
IMM engaged a geotechnical engineering firm to assess the site’s ground-bearing capacity. The report determined a maximum tolerance of 6 metric tons per square meter. To meet this safely, IMM built a custom support system using engineered sandpits—carefully designed to evenly distribute load and create a level, stable lift zone.
In parallel, two 20-foot containers were shipped from France to serve as a bespoke cradle for the vessel. These were assembled on-site and tailored to the hull specifications.
When the stage had been set, the 400T crane was transported to the facility over two to three days—requiring six trucks for its accessories, outriggers, and boom extensions. IMM’s team coordinated every stage with precision and foresight.
The Lift: Expertise in Action
With favourable weather and all preparations in place, lift day was a showcase of expert planning and seamless execution.
“This was an incredibly ambitious operation, and I couldn’t be prouder of how our team handled it,” said Olivier Vigoureux, Site Director at IMM Guadeloupe. “Every department contributed—engineering, logistics, operations. The teamwork, anticipation, and communication were flawless, and the result was a successful lift and project that reflected the very best of what IMM delivers.”
The vessel was safely hauled out, cradled, and secured—ready for the next phase of work.
A Standout in Caribbean Refit
This project is a testament to IMM Guadeloupe’s ability to adapt quickly, think strategically, and execute complex refit operations at the highest level. It also reinforces the Caribbean’s viability as a destination for major repair work—supported by world-class expertise and infrastructure.
Picture credit: SAS GDL