Transporting an Ariane 5 launcher in Guiana
Arianespace starts by transporting the launcher components to various European export ports such as Rotterdam or Bremen. The Colibri, or its twin the Toucan, collects the components as it moves from port to port. Then Arianespace sends the import/export lists to the International Operations Management department so that the Freight Forwarding and Transport Manager concerned can prepare a scenario for validation by Arianespace. It takes about one week to prepare a week of operations. At the port of Pariacabo, the cargo is disembarked in the following strict order: hazardous materials, priority launcher components then non-hazardous materials. While most of the operations are carried out by Endel, some services such as disembarking the largest parts, are sub-contracted to the TSO company, formerly GTM, which is also authorised to transport hazardous material. TSO has special equipment that is unique in Guiana, combined with considerable experience and the know-how required for such delicate operations.
Temporary or permanent export?
All materials sent into Space , including propellants, are deemed to have been permanently exported. Consequently, if the parts of Ariane arrive as temporary imports, this tax status changes to 'permanently exported' at the moment of launch. As they are not consumed on site, none of the materials are subject to the Special Import Duty payable in French Overseas Departments, nor additional or local taxes. Everything that leaves Guiana, and which therefore counts as temporary imports, exempt from all tax and duty, must be accounted for to the nearest centime, otherwise the Special Import Duty will be claimed by the authorities. This duty is similar to VAT and averages around 17.5%. So, all elements in transit to CSG thus have a “temporary entry” status and are stored in a type E bonded warehouse which includes the whole of the CSG complex.
