Express Global Logistics completes complex multimodal transport of oversized equipment

Express Global Logistics (EXG), member to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) in India, completed another challenging project logistics operation, showcasing the company´s expertise in handling oversized and heavy cargo transportation. The recent multimodal shipment of critical processing equipment from ⁠a site located in the northwestern part of India to a port on the country´s west coast demonstrates EXG´s commitment to delivering comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions. In a project overview a company spokesperson explained:

CARGO OVERVIEW

The shipment comprised two massive components:

1. Ammonia Converter
• Dimensions: 30m (L) × 4.25m (W) × 4.9m (H)
• Weight: 530 metric tons
• Transport configuration: 22 side-by-side axle lines
2. Ammonia Unitized Chiller
• Dimensions: 26m (L) × 4.5m (W) × 5m (H)
• Weight: 220 metric tons
• Transport configuration: 15 axle lines

SCOPE OF SERVICES

EXG's comprehensive scope for this project included:

• Land transportation of both units from the workshop to a captive jetty
• Specialized loadout operations onto a 180-class cargo barge
• Professional sea fastening to ensure cargo stability during marine transit
• Barging from a captive jetty from the north west of India to a port on the west coast
• Complete project supervision and coordination

TECHNICAL EXECUTION

Our engineering team meticulously planned every aspect of this multimodal transportation:

Land Movement Phase: The initial phase involved transporting the massive converter and chiller units from the workshop to the captive jetty using specialized hydraulic axle trailers. The 530MT converter required 22 side-by-side axle lines to distribute the extraordinary weight, while the 220MT chiller was transported using 15 axle lines.

Preparation of jetty: Correct placement of the barge according to the tide and time is crucial to ensure we do not miss the tide.

Marine Operations: At the jetty, our team executed a precision loadout of both components onto a 180-class cargo barge. Our experienced marine engineers implemented comprehensive sea fastening protocols to secure the cargo for the subsequent sea journey to the northwestern part of India. Since this was a beaching operation, it was critical to adhere to the tidal variations and complete load out in the required time lines. The roll-on operations were flawless and all timeframes were met resulting in successful loadout.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

This project presented several significant challenges that our team successfully navigated:

1. Dimensional Complexity: The extraordinary dimensions of both components required specialized equipment and careful route planning to ensure safe passage.
2. Timeline Coordination: Our project managers worked diligently to synchronize the transportation schedule with concurrent civil work at various locations.
3. Infrastructure Modifications: Temporary road developments were necessary to accommodate the oversized cargo, particularly for the 30-meter converter.
4. Electrical shutdown: EXG coordinated with local authorities for temporary electrical shutdowns along the route to avoid overhead obstructions.