First, project cargo and heavy lift logistics strictly focus on extremely complex transport activities. While Moving Heavy Cargo is never an easy task, the UAE’s rapidly expanding infrastructure provides massive opportunities. Consequently, logistics firms can specialize heavily in oversized cargo, also known as Out of Gauge (OOG) and Breakbulk.
Typically, logistics firms rely on standard shipping containers. Fortunately, these units feature predictable sizes and travel easily via trucks, trains, and ships globally. However, what happens when your cargo is an oil rig component, a 30-meter wind turbine blade, or a 100-ton gas turbine?
Ultimately, the world of standard logistics gets thrown completely out the window when cargo exceeds standard physical dimensions. This is exactly where specialized logistics come into play. Indeed, shipping gas turbines and oil rig components is as complex as rocket science. At Chevron Sea Shipping, we confidently tackle complex project cargo moves that our competitors simply shy away from. Below, we share our best highlights.
1. Mastering Breakbulk Logistics
First, breakbulk references cargo that is so unusually large or heavy that it completely departs from standard container equipment.
- Therefore, workers must load breakbulk cargo directly onto the vessel’s multi-purpose deck using a specialized crane.
- Alternatively, teams must carefully lower it directly into the massive hold of the vessel.
2. The Route Survey: Engineering the Land Transit
Transporting a 90-ton integral transformer from Jebel Ali Port to an inland power plant in Abu Dhabi cannot happen easily. Specifically, you cannot simply put the transformer on a truck and drive it. Instead, it strictly requires a comprehensive Route Survey.
- Obstacle Mapping: First, one of our engineers personally drives the proposed transport route. Next, they manually record critical parameters. These include bridge clearances, roundabout turning radii, and the exact weight capacity of all overpasses.
- Civil Modifications: In the worst cases, it may become necessary to temporarily remove street signs or actively raise overhead power lines. Furthermore, teams might need to lay temporary steel plates on the ground to protect sensitive underground utility pipe networks.
- Police Escorts: Most land transport outside standard RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) dimensions absolutely requires special permits. Moreover, you must obtain official police escorts to safely clear and maintain road traffic during nighttime transit periods.
3. Specialized Transport Equipment for Moving Heavy Cargo
Obviously, you deeply require special equipment to move highly industrialized assets safely.
- SPMTs (Self-Propelled Modular Transporters): These represent large platform vehicles that feature hundreds of individual axles. Because a computer individually controls each axle, the entire massive load maneuvers effortlessly 360 degrees, even in the tightest areas.
- Low-Bed and Multi-Axle Trailers: Furthermore, we use specialized hydraulic low-bed trailers for oversized out-of-gauge cargo. These trailers drop down very close to ground level. Consequently, this allows incredibly tall cargo to safely clear highway bridges and gantries.
4. Stevedoring and Vessel Loading (Lashing)
Suspending massively heavy project cargo high in the air always represents the greatest risk.
- Tandem Lifts: Often, lifting heavy cargo onto a vessel requires two port cranes working in complete cooperation. Experts refer to this highly synchronized process as a “tandem lift”.
- Lashing and Securing: Once on the vessel, cargo must perfectly withstand the extreme, violent movement of the ocean. Therefore, our certified lashing teams custom-weld heavy D-rings directly to the vessel’s deck. Next, they secure the cargo tightly using a combination of heavy-duty chains and steel wire rope. Finally, the lashing plan must receive the strict approval of a specialized marine surveyor before the Ship’s Master will authorize departure.
Don’t Leave High-Value Assets to Chance
Ultimately, project cargo leaves absolutely no room for error. A single miscalculation can result in millions of dollars in damages or severely delay a time-critical project. Therefore, you must strongly benefit from our complex experience and powerful heavy lift capabilities for your next industrial move.
For further information on our services, please contact us today to request a complete feasibility study and lifting plan.
📞 Direct Line / WhatsApp: +971 54 400 6210
📧 Email: [email protected]