A word from GPLN:                                                                                                                  Newsletter Issue 98 / May-June 2024

Dear Reader,

Our 19^th GPLN AGM in Den Haag in May 2024 was a great success with an attendance of over 180 GPLN delegates. Members from around 60 different countries came together during meetings and social events to discuss past, current and future business, exchange sales leads and develop business within the GPLN project network.

As part of this year’s conference, GPLN held also a photo competition among our GPLN members. The winning photo was provided by Nabros Transport Pvt. Ltd. from India who created history by moving a super ODW HDT Reactor of 971 MT for the first time in the country, overcoming many challenges thanks to military-like planning & precision. Nabros’ team achieved a feat by delivering this colossal super ODW Reactor from Mundra Port to HMEL, Bhatinda Refinery, travelling 1400 km across 4 States (https://www.heavyliftpfi.com/sectors/gpln-members-meet-in-the-hague/31492.article).

As announced during our recent conference we will hold our next AGM on our home turf in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 14-16, 2025. More details will follow soon on our dedicated website, but please reserve already now this date. This event can be combined with Breakbulk Middle East which is taking place just ahead of our AGM from February 10-11, 2025 in Dubai, UAE.

Furthermore, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank once more our AGM sponsors for the great support of our conference. Please refer to our sponsor banner below.

Best regards,

Your GPLN Team

3P Logistics handle various projects

The positive dynamics of GPLN member 3P Logistic Industrial Projects came recently with good news from Finland as we touched something beautiful in May 2024! We delivered the cargo to the port of Rauma in Finland by lowbed trucks, loaded it on the very interesting ship and sent the cargo from Rauma, Finland to Canada. The cargo was sent by Atlantic Kestrel; this is like a VIP yacht for Breakbulk Cargo said Ilya Goncharov, Global 3PL Group Project Manager for Industrial Projects.

3P Logistics took care of: customs / road transportation in Rauma, permits, escort etc. / loading onto the vessel / cargo handling / securing by special chains to meet the minimum fastening forces for this load required and supply of these chains. The cargo was Azimuth Thruster, consisting of 2x upper gear, 1x lower gear + spare parts and for leading provider of Offshore Supply, Port and Coastal marine services, operating in the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Coastal regions, as well as the North Sea.

3P Logistics delivered also another project to Poland in May 2024, successfully delivered a stamping press from the port of Hamburg, Germany to Skawina, Poland. The press was made in China. In Europe 3p logistics used special lowbed modular trailer Goldhofer 8 axles + truck 4 axles. The project also required a route survey, bridge conclusions, pilot, and police escort cars.

The project consisted of 4 trucks. 1 set, 11 packages, total 97 tons and was around 900 km by road. The heaviest cargo was 65 tons (total weight of the heaviest loaded truck was 125 tons). Preparations took almost 5 months from the first touch to realization and it took 3 weeks to get the permit for the 65 tons cargo in Germany and around 5 weeks for Poland. It seems that German heavy the transport crisis ended, said Ilya Goncharov, who was responsible for this project.

Total Movements handle ODCs & Heavy Lifts

GPLN member Total Movements from India executed recently the coastal shipping and road transportation of 2 Crystallizers and a Dehydration Tower from the load ports on the West Coast of India up to the Petrochemical Refinery site in Eastern India. There were in all 3 cargoes moved, as follows:
1. Dehydration Tower – 370MT (LWH – 31.98 x 9.85 x 8.79)
2. Crystallizer 1 – 280MT (LWH – 12.55 x 8.7 x 7.1)
3. Crystallizer 2 – 85MT (LWH – 12.5 x 6.45 x 6.1)

Receiving the cargo at the designated load ports on the western coast, coastal shipping up to the discharge port on the eastern coast, discharging the cargo onto the hydraulic axle trailer combinations and road transportation to the Refinery involved Total Movement’s’ complete scope.

The key highlights of this challenging Multi-modal move included:
1. Large dimensions rendering the cargo unfit for direct road transportation
2. Unavailability of domestic flag vessel which can move the cargo by sea
3. Civil works within the discharge port due to large cargo dimensions
4. Bypass building of 800 meters in the last mile road from nearest port to site
5. Electrical shutdown required in the enroute

With detailed planning and continuous follow up, our team delivered these critical ODCs well in time. A heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders involved who supported us in making this a seamless execution.

MESCO demonstrates its expertise in handling project cargo

GPLN member Marine & Engineering Services Company (MESCO) has been a cornerstone in Egypt’s freight forwarding industry since 1983, boasting over 40 years of expertise. As Egypt experiences a boom in projects and investment sectors, they are a trusted partner for transporting projects to and from their country.

MESCO handled recently following commodity types:
Absorber / Methanol Vaporizer / Reactor / ECS Preheater and Reactor / HTF Tank / ECS Steam Generator / HTF Condenser / BFW Tank / Deaerator for Internals of Tray.

The total weight was 179,595 kg (approximately 179.6 metric tons) and the volume 890.36 cubic meters (CBM). The cargo was transported by ship from Changchun in China to Damietta in Egypt.

Green Handles High Volume of Cross-Docking in Savannah

USA based GPLN member Green Worldwide Shipping’s warehouse infra-structure is built for true distribution and fulfillment services, and for traditional freight forwarding services such as consolidations and devanning as well as transloading and cross-docking. An example of the latter is a recent project of a high volume of 40’ containers loaded with 20’ long bundles of steel pipe requiring devanning and loading to flat beds trucks for final delivery throughout the East Coast. With our close proximity to the Port of Savannah and our ability to load the Flat Bed trucks inside our building made for a very efficient and safe handling.

Interfreight Engineering ship transformers

GPLN member Interfreight Engineering (IFE) from Korea has achieved a notable feat by successfully transporting Siemens Energy’s transformers from Shenzhen, China, to Jinhae Port, Korea, on June 20, 2024. Known for their delicate nature, Siemens’ transformers demand meticulous handling, yet IFE managed to transport all 25 units, each weighing up to 40 tons, safely and promptly, leveraging their extensive expertise and operational knowledge.

IFE serves as the appointed project forwarder for the PFLNG3 (ZLNG) initiative, a collaborative effort between Japan’s JGC and Korea’s SHI. IFE holds full responsibility for coordinating the global shipment of cargo destined for this ambitious project.

Following their safe arrival in Korea, the 25 transformers shipped from China will continue their journey under IFE’s careful oversight, bound for the project site. This successful operation underscores IFE’s capability and reliability in managing complex logistics on an international scale.

Prism Logistics plays major role in the expansion of the Indian Petrochemical Industry

GPLN member Prism Logistics, a thriving asset-rich project cargo logistics provider from India, is held in high esteem worldwide for its competency in project logistics management. They recently undertook a vital project for our esteemed client in the western part of the Indian sub-continent. Our client, one of the foremost and flourishing organizations in the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical Industry, chose to rely on our years of expertise for the critical project involving the expansion of their Propane Dehydrogenation and Polypropylene Project site in Usar, Maharashtra.

Project Overview:
Prism Logistics from India ventured to ship 5 SODC Equipment units with an accumulated weight of a monumental 1400+ MT. The cargo convoy traversed a total of 100+ km by road to reach the unloading point at Usar. The maximum dimensions of individual Column Sections were recorded at, length – 34+ m, width – 10+ m, height – 11+ m, and the maximum weight was 400+ MT.

Inland movement of consignment:
Multiple SODCs were effortlessly transported from the manufacturing site at Alibagh, Maharashtra. Prism deployed Scheuerle & Goldhofer SPMTs, PPUs, and Scania & Volvo Pullers to navigate the extent of the uneven terrain. The consignment involved escort vehicles for easy navigation, smooth traffic control and protocol, and supportive vehicles for carrying steel plates and paraphernalia.

Tackling Obstacles with Ease:
The transportation of packages involved several challenges that had to be judiciously overcome by the resourceful Prism Team. The experienced and senior Prism officials supervised the loading and lashing of cargo at the manufacturing site maintaining industry guidelines. Prism’s 100+ strong workforce including Engineers, Supervisors, SPMT Operators, Wiremen, and skilled labours were provided with adequate training to speedily resolve any issues that might crop up. Each member working on-site was provided with safety kits making it a Zero-Accident project.

The dextrous Prism Engineers seamlessly handled disconnection and careful removal of High-Tension over-head wires during the passage of the cavalcade through Power Blocks, followed by immediate and systematic restoration. The in-house Civil Engineers carried out methodical route surveys to avoid unforeseen hurdles along the path. Carrying out nightly civil works like vividly planned road and culvert strengthening were executed using sandbag packing etc. Timely removal of road fixtures, road signs, boards, etc., before consignment passage, helped accommodate the cargo for hassle-free project progress without disturbing public life. The Prism professionals resorted to the Night Movement of consignment to avoid any impediment for the general public and for safe and time-efficient consignment transportation.

The consignment of 5 SODC packages weighing a prodigious 1400+ MT through densely populated locales was a constant source of worry for the Prism Team. Prism supervisors put in long hours handling and overcoming hurdles inflicted by traffic chocked narrow roads. Moving the towering 34+ m column units over the National Highways and dodging the Heavy Commercial Vehicles racing at a breakneck pace required skilful and rigorous management of traffic even during the Night Movement.

Handling the transportation of the consignment amid the political tension and turmoil across the length and breadth of the state calls for applause. As a logistics company, Prism managed aspects like material handling, inventory control, and transportation with Élan. The adept Prism team constructed an intricate network of 10+ heavy-duty bypasses, some skirting the Toll plazas to avoid damaging the original structure. The dimensions of the longest bypass being, length- 1km, width- 10+m, height from sea level- 6+m. However, the exorbitant equipment units had to often pass through several Toll plazas, hence, it required the Prism Team to carefully plan and widen the Toll gates for incident-free passage of the packages without the risk of damage or unnecessary delay.

The consignment movement including 5 SODCs came to a stop when it finally reached the Usar Project site. At the refinery, Prism exhaustively used Scheuerle & Goldhofer SPMTs, 20+20 Hydraulic Axle lines, and 3500+ MT Cranes for unloading, lifting, and dragging of the colossal 34+ m long exorbitant site equipment pieces for in-plant shifting and installation of the machinery units. The process of in-plant shifting was carried out while the plant was functioning as usual, this inconvenience was deftly overcome by careful handling of the shifting and installation process without risk or delays during the final phase of the Project.

Prism’s meticulous planning and keen eye for unhindered execution of the project spurred it to acquire timely permissions and NOCs from the State Electricity Board, Transport Department, and PWD for effortless execution of the Project. Prism Logistics braved the challenge of constant upgrades and change, taking inexorable progress in stride with its ever-evolving technological aspect and logistical equation.

Conclusion:
Prism moved the astronomical 1400+ MT cargo load over 100+ km of densely populated topography equipped with advanced and sophisticated heavy lift vehicles and an experienced team capable of handling cargo movement evading issues like heavy traffic movement, political unrest, unforeseen delays, infrastructural hurdles, governmental regulations, etc. Quick construction of bypasses, widening Toll-gates and civil solutions accomplished with military precision aided the unhindered completion of the project. Prism has consistently contributed to the unrelenting pace of India’s progress while upgrading itself to meet every criterion, evolving as the logistical pioneer. Unquestioningly the most reliable Project Cargo logistics company among the first-string logistics service providers in India and the world, Prism Logistics has proved its formidable presence in supporting the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical Industry.

CTC Logistics overcomes unforeseen challenges

GPLN member CTC Logistics from the Dominican Republic handled recently a shipment of various oversized and heavy cargo pieces measuring (L/WH) 12.2mx2.42mx2.9m and weighting 7,900 kg & 11,500 kg & 17,000 kg / 12.2mx2.42mx2.9m and15,000 kg / 15.80mx2.42mx2.9m and 10,500 kg / 12.80mx2.42mx2.9m and19,800 kg

In the intricate realm of international shipping, the path from origin to destination is often fraught with unexpected hurdles. Recently, our team found itself entangled in a web of unforeseen challenges that threatened to disrupt a critical shipment. Here’s how we navigated through the storm, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Unforeseen Shipping Issues:
Initially, smooth sailing seemed assured as the shipping line gave their word that our cargo could journey seamlessly under one Bill of Lading (BL). However, upon arrival at the port, their promise crumbled before us. The abrupt change in stance created a cascade of complications, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the entire project.

Dual Concerns:
With the clock ticking relentlessly, our team faced a dual-front battle. On one front, we grappled with managing the remaining cargo at the customer’s site, ensuring its safety and integrity. On the other front, the cargo stranded at the port accumulated demurrage charges, adding financial strain to our already pressured project.

Urgent Action:
In the face of this crisis, there was no room for hesitation. We swiftly pivoted, mobilizing all available resources to seek alternative solutions. Urgent negotiations and quotations with other carriers became our lifeblood, demanding rapid-fire decision-making and adaptability at every turn.

Resilience and Determination:
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, our team stood tall, fueled by an unyielding resolve to conquer adversity. Instead of succumbing to panic, we delved deep into the intricacies of the situation, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for salvation. It was this unwavering determination that proved to be our saving grace.

Avoiding Disaster:
The specter of disaster loomed large, threatening to engulf us in a maelstrom of financial losses and reputational damage. Yet, through sheer grit and ingenuity, we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. The project, once on the brink of collapse, was salvaged through our collective efforts and unwavering perseverance.

Lessons Learned:
As the dust settled and calm returned, we took stock of the invaluable lessons gleaned from this ordeal. We learned firsthand the indispensable nature of adaptability and preparedness in navigating the tumultuous waters of international shipping. Moreover, this experience underscored the imperative of fostering a culture of resilience and proactive problem-solving within our team.

Conclusion:
While the journey through international shipping may be fraught with uncertainties and obstacles, it is our ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity that defines us. Each challenge we encounter serves as a crucible, forging us into stronger, more resilient versions of ourselves. Armed with the lessons learned from our trials and tribulations, we stand ready to confront whatever challenges lie ahead, undaunted and unyielding in our pursuit of success.

Consolcargo’s Excellence in Logistics

GPLN member Consolcargo SAS from Colombia recently demonstrated its exceptional logistics service through a challenging project involving the transportation of a BBK load in two Flat Rack containers. The shipment, negotiated on FOB terms, traveled from Qingdao to Buenaventura, showcasing the company’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Project Details: Product: Disc Dryer / Grade: Finished
Physical Aspect: Electro-mechanical Equipment
Usage: Industrial Equipment for Water Evaporation Drying Method / Brand: Sensitar
Weight: 52 Tons / Volume: 113.5 CBM
Exceptional Service: Consolcargo SAS meticulously managed the transportation of the Disc Dryer, a complex and heavy industrial equipment, ensuring safe and timely delivery. The company’s expertise in handling specialized cargo and their ability to coordinate seamlessly with various stakeholders was pivotal in the successful execution of this project.
Commitment to Excellence: The team at Consolcargo SAS is dedicated to providing personalized and reliable logistics solutions. Their proactive approach, coupled with transparent communication, ensured that every aspect of the shipment was handled with precision and care.
Customer Satisfaction: Clients have praised Consolcargo SAS for their unwavering commitment to service excellence. The successful delivery of the Disc Dryer from Qingdao to Buenaventura is a testament to their ability to meet and exceed customer expectations, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and satisfaction.

JSL Global handled single lot of 28×40’ FR @ 2,551 CBM

GPLN member JSL Global Project from Qatar successfully handled transportation of 28 excavators and construction equipment ex Hamad port, Qatar. The shipment was handled ex clients plant site. The biggest challenge was specific port delivery which most of container vessel operator declined to handled due to port capacity + 4.94 Meter cargo width due to track length and moving all these construction equipment in single lot due to customs restriction at receiving port. JSL arranged pre-survey, cargo loading, lashing & securing, police escort & traffic approvals for the whole convoy, Customs & traffic department formalities and freight up to southeast Asian port. The pieces were 4.86Metert to 4.94Meter OOG (W) & excavators were weighing 32 to 34MT. Due to the excavator’s footprint versus its weight, safely loading, lashing, and transporting it presented a challenge. The JSL team, along with the surveyor and shipping line, collaborated to devise an optimal solution that maximized weight distribution.

Mr. Rakesh Barai (Ops Head – Projects @JSL) says “handling OOG cargo and especially heavy cargo, one has to be very careful in cargo lashing and cargo placement. Cargo should be positioned on the flat rack to ensure suitable weight distribution, both along length and width so that the main area of gravity is not too far “off-center”. This construction equipment included Crawler Backhoe, Air Compressors, Forklift, Breaker unit of Excavator, and Cargo Crane Trucks. Apart from these Flat rack movement, JSL handled 3 Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) unit, totaling 330.80 cubic meters.
Project Challenge- Cargo footprint vs weight & OOG (W) of 4.94cm!! Secure lashing and placement of cargo is KEY in project business.

J M BAXI HEAVY Sets New Standards

In a monumental achievement within India’s engineering sphere, GPLN member J M BAXI HEAVY announces the successful delivery of three of the heaviest modules for the L&T Marjan offshore field project.
Despite the hurdles posed by the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, our determined engineering team at J M BAXI HEAVY ensured the seamless fabrication of these enormous modules dubbed TP-11, TP-12, and TP-13.

The journey began in November 2023, navigating through challenges brought on by the pandemic. With careful planning, loadouts were conducted every 60 days Through innovative loadout arrangements and the implementation of a float-over operation, the safe and on-time transportation of these massive structures was ensured.
Setting New Records:
The final loadout of TP-12, was completed on May 30,2024. Here our specifics of the modules:

These monumental modules, complete with load spreaders and axles, were transported and loaded out using state-of-the-art equipment, including 260 SPMT axle lines with 12 PPU and 85 ballast pumps. Each loadout, from axle insertion to final placement onto the HDB-402, a 400-class float-over barge, was efficiently executed within a mere 36 hours. With a combined weight of 18,000 metric tons and comprising 530,000 freight units, these modules signify a paradigm shift in engineering and logistics capabilities.

J M BAXI HEAVY extends its heartfelt gratitude to L&T Hydrocarbon for entrusting us with this monumental project. J M BAXI HEAVY remains steadfast in our commitment to uphold schedules and prioritise safety in all our endeavours.

Sea Cargo Logistics transport Overhead Crane

GPLN member Sea Cargo Logistics’ team from Mexico handled a shipment involving the transport and import of an overhead crane and its accessories which consisted of 95 tons of cargo distributed in 50 pieces with a total volume of 328 CBM. Their scope included all transport coordination under DAP (Delivered at Place) with the cargo originated from Shanghai to Manzanillo Port for further delivery to Ramos Arizpe involving meticulous planning and organizing. The process included import planning, port maneuvers, and delivery to the final site located over 1100 kilometers from the port of arrival.

Import Permits: Verifying with our team of experts if any specific import permits were required for the process.Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the compliance with Mexican standards and regulations.
Primary Transportation Mode: Ocean Freight from Manzanillo to a suitable Terminal to handle this kind of cargo.
Secondary Transportation Mode: Road transport from the Manzanillo Port to the final destination In Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila.
Tracking: Using tracking systems to monitor the shipment’s progress.
Status Reports: Provide regular status updates to all stakeholders.
Stakeholder Communication: Ensuring and maintaining open lines of communication with shipper, shipping line, terminal at the port, the Mexican importer, customs broker, and the receiving team in Ramos Arizpe.

Our scope consists of detailed planning and coordination across various stages from Manzanillo to Ramos Arizpe. Successful execution required careful selection of transportation modes, experienced staff and customs brokers, along with meticulous preparation and communication. Contingency planning and regular monitoring were crucial to ensure the smooth delivery of all crane components to the final destination.

MAMQ deliver transformers

Most recently, GPLN member M/s Muhammad Amin Muhammad Qaseem (Pvt) Ltd (MAMQ) has successfully delivered 2 units Auto Transformer (main bodies) onto its owned Goldhofer Multi Modular Hydraulic Trailers, weighing 124 tons each / dimension 8.22m x 3.81m x 3.96m, from Karachi Port to Hyderabad Grid Station, Hala Road, Sindh on June 25, 2024 with utmost safety. The goal of zero-error was precisely achieved by their expert workforce.

M/s Muhammad Amin Muhammad Qaseem (Pvt) Ltd., is one of the Pakistan’s premier customs consultants and one-stop project logistics solution provider, serving its clients and country for over 5 decades.

Transmaritim International handle Heavy Loads

GPLN member transmaritim international GmbH from Germany stowed the following loads with an extra width/height and a weight of 10 tons each on flat racks. One of the challenges was to compensate for the possible failure of the hydraulics. For this reason, wooden trestles were installed under the axles.

The cargo was delivered to Hamburg on its own axles and then transported by barge from the stowage facility to the terminal. Due to the still high-capacity utilization in RO-RO traffic, Transmaritim was given a challenging task. Nevertheless, it was mastered: the somewhat unusual loading onto flat racks was the only and, above all, the fastest solution for shipping this consignment.

MFC move heavy Mooring Chains

GPLN member MFC Extreme Project & Events team from UAE recently completed the transport of six mooring chains, each weighing 60 tons, from Jebel Ali Port.
The project involved loading the chains onto double SPMT’s trucks and transporting them for storage at MFC’s open yard facility. The MFC Extreme team organized the transport through restricted roads to accommodate the wide and heavy loads.

Seashell Logistics ship Transformers

GPLN member Seashell Logistics successfully completed the movement of two transformers from Itaguai in Brazil to Hazira in India.
The shipment consisted of two transformers weighed 250 tons each and accompanying accessories. The total volume of this shipment was 790 CBM.
Loaded from Itaguai, Brazil, this complex project is enrooted to Hazira, India, meticulously handled by our expert logistics team.

Star Shipping’s Full Vessel Handling

After the handling and shipping of a huge break-bulk (28,000 M-ton Rice, Export Shipment) earlier this year, GPLN member Star Shipping from Pakistan has set a momentous record of handling another full-vessel of 26,500 Metric-ton back-to-back Rice export shipment within the short tenure of a month.

The whole shipment of 26,500 M-ton (Rice) baggage was loaded onboard M.V Majestic Noor (Break-Bulk Vessel) within a week at Port Qasim break-bulk cargo berth i.e., excessively busiest and serves as the primary export gateway for the bulk cargo exports.

Star Shipping Pakistan swiftly strategize the planning of handling full-vessel load within the provided one-week lead time while keeping in view all the challenging factors & risks involved such as “rough summer, cargo rush at berth, limited space of cargo handling & stowage operations, day/night operation etc., and successfully implemented its strategy with perfect execution by completing the task by top-notch-standard.