UTC Overseas
The Experts in Crane Transport
Heavy Lift Specialists
The UTC Overseas Heavy Equipment division specializes in the transport of oversized and out-of-gauge machinery. With decades of experience and a dedicated focus on heavy equipment logistics, the team has successfully handled every type of crane transport, servicing major crane manufacturers as well as a worldwide network of dealers.
When a manufacturer wanted to move two mobile harbor cranes in the most expedient and cost-effective manner, they called on the experts at UTC Overseas HE to do the job. The cranes, along with a reach stacker—the three pieces together exceeding 700 metric tons—were slated to move from Tampa, Florida, across the Gulf to Houston, Texas.
A Challenging Task
Transporting equipment of this scale presents significant logistical and engineering challenges. Traditional overland transport would have required full disassembly and reassembly, extending the timeline by weeks and involving multiple trucks—substantially increasing overall costs. By transporting the units fully assembled, UTC Overseas HE achieved considerable savings in both time and expense.
Additionally, the cranes—each weighing close to 360 metric tons—featured pre-welded tie-down points, leaving no margin for error in securing the cargo. Once loaded, cranes removed the counterweights, while measures to stabilize and restrict movement in transit were implemented to ensure the safety and integrity of the shipment.
Thinking Outside the Box
UTC Overseas developed a customized barge transport solution that allowed all equipment to be moved fully assembled. Custom-engineered ramps enabled the cranes and reach stacker to be driven directly onto the barge.
Continuous ballasting was used to maintain stability throughout loading, transit, and discharge. This was especially critical when handling multiple cranes and a reach stacker, as even minor imbalances could create hazardous listing and risk damage to the equipment.
Over 120 tie-down points were used to secure the cargo. These were pre-welded, so 100% accuracy and precise alignment were essential—if one were off, they would all be off, compromising the securing plan. Any miscalculation would have required cutting the welds and repositioning, resulting in a lengthy delay.
By selecting a barge over a U.S.-flagged vessel, UTC Overseas reduced transport costs by nearly 50%. Additionally, barge transport saved on trucking expenses, and shipping the machinery assembled eliminated days of disassembly and reassembly along with the required labor.
Preparation was Key
Site visits at both departure and arrival points were critical to assess ramp requirements, dock conditions, bumpers, and the overall structural capacity of the job site to align plans to resources. Key factors such as the distance from the dock edge to the waterline and current movement were carefully analyzed to properly position the barge and coordinate ballasting operations.
Weather is always a consideration when transiting the Gulf, and it must constantly be monitored with backup plans and contingencies at the ready. In addition, the insurance company mandates limits for winds and swells, and when conditions took a turn, a new alternative route was implemented. Rather than following the most direct path, the vessel had to hug the coast to ensure wind and swell limits were compliant with insurance parameters.
Ready To Roll
Upon arrival in Houston, the team carefully removed all securing chains, re-ballasted the barge to match the terminal’s dock height, and drove off the reach stacker and cranes. The equipment was delivered intact and on time.
This project demonstrates how forward-thinking logistics strategies can transform complex heavy equipment transport. By moving fully assembled cranes via barge, UTC Overseas minimized transport and assembly costs and accelerated delivery while maintaining a high level of safety and precision.
Quick Operation Under Pressure
One of the most complex parts of the operation occurred when passing through the river locks. The additional buoyancy tanks made the barges too wide to clear the locks. Divers were employed to quickly dismantle the tanks before entering the locks. UTC’s team anticipated this occurrence and designed the system for quick disassembly while the load was still onboard. Precision scheduling and coordination were critical for this intricate maneuver. There were extreme space constraints, and timing was of the utmost importance to allow river traffic to proceed unimpeded.
Expertise That Excels
UTC Overseas HE has been managing these types of projects for over two decades. “We specialize and excel at these projects since this is all we do all day, every day. We take great pride in the safety of the cargo and the personnel on the job site,” remarks Patrik Meyer, Global Director UTC Overseas Heavy Equipment. “We are constantly learning and adapting - learning about our customers, the equipment, their needs and wants, and how to provide a better customer experience.”
When it comes to transporting cranes, no one can do it better than UTC Overseas. With a dedicated Heavy Equipment Group, UTC Overseas has been moving these machines for over 20 years and has a strong knowledge base and expertise unmatched by anyone in the industry. We don't just ship cranes; we know everything about them.
