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.