Super size

zoom

Being a project cargo operator clearly requires a great deal of flexibility. "We have handled different projects of various tonnage, measurements and dimensions," indicates Brank, although, as he points out himself, it is the biggest and most complicated projects that draw the greatest attention.

Swift Freight's project cargo team is just one of a number of operators that have effectively freighted mammoth pieces of equipment around the world.

To the successful voyage of the Spar Perdido oil production facility (see case study on the next page) can be added the recent transport of a demethaniser (263 tonnes) and a C3-splitter (a total weight of 490 tonnes) from the Italian port of Porto Nogaro to the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.

Undertaken by the Beluga multipurpose heavy-lift carrier, the operation required 60 lashings, as well as 48 steel plates, to keep the methaniser secured during the voyage in the event of bad weather.

As a more recent operator, Swift Freight has not yet been called upon to carry cargo of the magnitude of that accomplished by Beluga, but its feats to date have nevertheless been impressive.

"The most memorable lifts are almost always the most challenging ones," Brank continues. "The heaviest project we have handled was undertaken locally. It involved a contract to shift a 90-tonne transformer from the Nadia site foundation near Abu Dhabi International Airport, which we transported and then delivered to Mina Zayed's E9 site. We successfully partnered with Al Jaber Heavy Lift & Transport LLC for this particular project."

"However, the biggest project we have so far carried out has been the transportation of 46 packing units (over-dimension), weighing approximately 23 tonnes each, from Dubai to various sites in Al Ain, and there were also 26 transformers, weighing 27 tonnes each, which were cleared from Port Zayed - Abu Dhabi and subsequently delivered to various sites in Al Ain."

In the current economic environment, all transport sectors have suffered from the rocketing fuel prices and the world of freight shipping is no exception.

While there are a number of initiatives in place to cut fuel usage - such as travelling at slower speeds - the continually aggregating number of fuel surcharge increases has caused headaches for many operators.

Print | Email | Discuss this article

| Share |

READERS' COMMENTS

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Arabian Business would like to point out that only comments relevant to the story will be published. Any containing personal insults or inappropriate language will not be approved.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Enter the words above *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM