PCN members in India, Express Global Logistics (EXG) recently handled the end-to-end project movement of an air separation unit from ex-works China to delivery at a steel plant in Haldia, West Bengal.

The cargo consisted of the air separation unit (ASU) cold box components and associated accessories (including piping systems, piping supports, and structural assemblies). The overall shipment totalled 1,600mtn and 15,600cbm, with the heaviest unit weighing 146mtn, followed by another major component at 136mtn.

"In large project cargo consignments, the complexity lies not in the distance but in the transitions across multiple modes and handling environments. This project involved a complete multimodal execution, structured across four lots and delivered through a combination of barging and road transport at origin, ocean freight, port handling, customs clearance, and inland transportation."

Origin Handling & Barge Operations

At the planning stage, key operational constraints at the origin, particularly draft limitations at the private berth, were identified. As direct berthing of the ocean vessel was not feasible, EXG incorporated a barge-based loading strategy into the execution plan.

The cargo was mobilised from the manufacturing area to the jetty using a combination of road transport and positioning equipment. Heavy lift units were loaded onto the barge under strict technical supervision, with continuous monitoring of ballast adjustments, deck load distribution, and stability parameters. This ensured safe handling despite the restricted draft conditions.

The barge then transported the cargo to the main seaport, where further transshipment operations were planned in alignment with the vessel's schedule.

Ocean Freight Execution

At the seaport, shore cranes executed precisely coordinated lifts, transferring the cargo from the barge to the mother vessel under controlled conditions. Tide windows, crane radius capacities, and vessel readiness were all pre-aligned to ensure seamless operations.

Units exceeding 130mtn required specially engineered grillage supports and sea-fastening arrangements designed to withstand dynamic marine forces. Load distribution per square meter, center-of-gravity positioning, and stress evaluations were completed in advance to ensure vessel stability and cargo integrity throughout transit.

The four-lot shipment structure allowed flexibility in scheduling while maintaining consistency in safety and execution standards.

Customs Clearance & Port Handling

Upon arrival at the port, discharge operations were executed in a pre-planned sequence to optimise berth utilisation and reduce turnaround time.

EXG coordinated closely with port authorities and handling teams to ensure the smooth discharge of the heavy and oversized cargo. Import customs clearance was managed in parallel to avoid delays, ensuring that cargo movement to the next stage commenced without disruption.

Heavy Transport - Port to Final Delivery Site

The inland transportation phase was pre-engineered through route surveys covering bridge load capacities, turning radii, and overhead utility clearances. Multi-axle hydraulic trailers were deployed for the heaviest ASU modules to ensure proper weight distribution across road infrastructure.

Movements were executed in controlled time windows to minimise public disruption, supported by escort vehicles, traffic coordinators, and route marshals. Where overhead restrictions were identified, temporary lifting of utilities and coordinated shutdowns were arranged in advance to ensure the safe passage.

From ex-works at an overseas manufacturing location to final delivery at an inland steel facility in India, this project reflects the foresight and discipline required in handling complex movements. At Express Global Logistics, such shipments are not only measured by their scale but also by the confidence delivered through structured planning and precise execution.

http://www.exglogistics.com