The Use of Industrial Mats in Maritime Shipping

Transporting heavy machinery by sea presents unique logistical challenges. Between protecting expensive equipment, securing cargo in transit, and navigating uneven terrain at docks or ports, every phase requires thoughtful planning. That’s where industrial mats come in handy. These durable worksite essentials help improve safety, support heavy loads, and reduce the risk of damage throughout the shipping process.

Create Safer Transitions Off the Boat

When machinery comes off a vessel, it often needs to be transferred onto solid ground quickly and securely. Dragline mats are perfect for this task. These heavy-duty mats create stable, temporary bridges between a ship and the dock or nearby loading zone. They help distribute weight evenly and protect the surface beneath, whether it’s a deck, dock, or platform. This reduces the risk of damaging expensive flooring or metal surfaces with heavy treads and sharp turns.

Use Shoring Materials to Prevent Cargo Shifting

Open water can be unpredictable. Strong currents and rough weather often cause equipment to shift during transport, which increases the risk of damage. To reduce that risk, portable shoring materials and beams can be positioned around machinery to hold it in place. These support tools help stabilize loads during transit, prevent equipment from colliding, and keep everything more secure while en route to its final destination.

Smooth Out Uneven Ground at the Dock

Not all port facilities are built the same. If there’s a gap between the ship and the next vehicle or work zone, transition mats can fill that space and make movement easier. These mats are designed with angled edges to smooth the connection between uneven elevations. Machinery can move seamlessly from the dock to the next transport vehicle without risking tire damage, slippage, or inefficient repositioning.

Explore Mat Rentals for Maritime Projects

Whether you’re dealing with dock transitions, offshore loading, or shipping heavy-duty equipment, industrial mats can simplify and strengthen the process. Ritter Forest Products offers a wide selection of hardwood crane mats, dragline mats, shoring beams, and transition mats for rent or purchase. With strategically located yards and round-the-clock support, we make it easy to get the mats you need, fast!