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Transporting an SPM CALM Buoy from Dubai to Colombia

Category: Point2Point

Transporting an SPM CALM Buoy from Dubai to Colombia

July 31, 2025
| No Comments
| Categories: Point2Point
Featured image showing UTC Overseas transporting an SPM CALM Buoy from Dubai to Colombia

TRANSPORTING AN SPM CALM BUOY FROM DUBAI TO COLOMBIA

Trusted Expertise in Complex Logistics

UTC Overseas brings decades of proven expertise in the oil and gas sector, specializing in the transport of oversized, overweight, and high-value equipment essential to offshore rigs and related infrastructure. When a client approached UTC to assist with their latest project, they had full confidence in UTC’s ability to manage complex logistics operations and ensure timely delivery.

UTC successfully transported a newly fabricated Single Point Mooring (SPM) CALM Buoy from Dubai to the Port of Santa Marta, Colombia. The buoy will function as the offshore mooring and crude oil offloading interface, playing a key role in strengthening Colombia's offshore oil and gas infrastructure.

 

Featured image showing UTC Transporting a Newly Fabricated Single Point Mooring CALM Buoy

Oversized Cargo

The shipment consisted of a 322-metric-ton SPM CALM Buoy, measuring 15.61 meters in length, 16.90 meters in width, and 14.24 meters in height. Due to its over-dimensional size and heavy-lift characteristics, the buoy was transported as breakbulk cargo. Accompanying the main unit was a 20-foot container carrying spare parts and installation tools.

Both cargo units were loaded in Dubai and transported aboard a breakbulk vessel bound for the Port of Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

 

Featured image showing a 322-metric-ton SPM CALM Buoy

Planning For This Complex Operation

Specialized equipment and engineering support were essential to execute this non-routine, complex heavy-lift operation. The SPM buoy was lifted using a DD2000 Sheer Leg Floating Crane, rated for a safe working load of 2,000 metric tons. Custom-engineered rigging solutions were employed, including purpose-built spreader beams, stoppers, and a prefabricated grillage system designed to secure the buoy during lifting and sea transport.

 

Inline image showing UTC planning guides and renderings to facilitate technical analyses

Comprehensive planning and engineering studies were conducted prior to transport. Critical tasks included detailed rigging and grillage design validation, vessel stability calculations, and development of a step-by-step method statement. Technical analyses covered structural member forces, support reactions, and displacement modes for multiple load cases, including code checks for girders and evaluation of span displacement ratios.

Site visits were conducted at the fabrication yard by UTC and its partners to ensure operational readiness. Before the lifting operation involving the DD2000, comprehensive risk assessments were completed. This included pre-inspection of the designated lifting and lowering zones. These assessments covered all aspects of loading, securing, and lashing, and were reviewed by the appointed Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS) overseeing activities at both origin and destination points.

The buoy was loaded onto the vessel and secured for ocean transport following strict safety and engineering protocols. Upon arrival at the discharge port in Santa Marta, the buoy was floated off directly from the vessel into the water, so the unit was ready for deployment. This float-off operation required controlled removal of the grillage system and precise underwater rigging installations to enable safe and efficient handling.

 

Managing the Project

UTC’s Ignacio Benedetti recounts the planning process. “Throughout the project, UTC was responsible for a wide range of critical logistics and marine services. This included vessel nomination and chartering, coordination of marine engineering and surveyor approvals, export customs clearance at origin, and full oversight of destination float-off operations. UTC's team also led the development and validation of risk assessments, route surveys, method statements, rigging plans, export documentation, and local agent management. UTC’s project managers ensured seamless coordination across all stakeholders, maintaining clear communications and continuity of execution to prevent any disruptions.”

UTC was responsible for a wide range of critical logistics and marine services. This included vessel nomination and chartering, coordination of marine engineering and surveyor approvals, export customs clearance at origin, and full oversight of destination float-off operations. UTC's team also led the development and validation of risk assessments, route surveys, method statements, rigging plans, export documentation, and local agent management.

Meeting Challenges Head-On

UTC’s Colombia office, serving as project sponsor, was supported by Juha Karmanto from UTC's Chartering Team and Asian Tiger, the nominated agent in Dubai. The team successfully navigated several operational challenges throughout the execution phase:

  • Lifting Gear Coordination: The overhang of the buoy’s top ring required careful planning, including preparation of detailed top-view drawings and spreader bar compatibility assessments to ensure safe and balanced lifting.
  • No-Weld PolicyCompliance: Due to ABS certification restrictions, a no-weld policy was enforced. To work around this stipulation, bolted connections and a prefabricated grillage system were implemented without making permanent modifications to the buoy.
  • Berth Access Constraints: Limited berth availability at the fabrication yard necessitated early coordination with port authorities and timely completion of induction procedures for all personnel.
  • Demurrage Risk Management: With port congestion posing a risk of demurrage charges, UTC mitigated delays through proactive berthing arrangements and advanced cargo readiness planning.
Featured image showing UTC mitigated delays through proactive berthing arrangements and advanced cargo readiness planning

UTC Delivers

As part of a larger offshore marine terminal system, the buoy will be used for mooring tankers and transferring crude oil to and from shore through subsea pipelines, allowing operations to take place without the need for vessels to enter the port.

This project showcases UTC’s expertise in heavy-lift and marine logistics and reinforces the important role of integrated engineering, streamlined communications, and expert planning in the successful execution of complex global transport projects.

UTC's logistics team has specialized knowledge of your equipment, allowing us to provide the most innovative and cost-saving logistics solutions.

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UTC Manages Challenging Logistics for Biofuel Refinery Plant

April 29, 2025
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| Categories: Point2Point, Uncategorized

UTC manages

CHALLENGING LOGISTICS FOR BIOFUEL REFINERY PLANT

In the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of specialized transportation, astute logistics professionals always expect the unexpected.

External conditions such as changing weather, uprisings, strikes, and delays are factored into their everyday planning. UTC’s recent Heartwell project was fraught with many of these challenges. Knowledge and experience guided UTC’s team of professionals through the risks and turbulence while delivering equipment for a biofuel refinery plant in Hastings, Nebraska.

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freight tons total
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UTC was tasked with transporting 50,000 freight tons of cargo, including large modular components of up to 21 feet in height and 100 tons in weight, which were vital to the refinery’s construction. The cargoes originated in Europe, Asia, and North America and were shipped using multimodal transport methods such as ocean freight, air freight, barging, trucking, and heavy haul services. Once completed, this greenfield project will produce diesel fuel from animal fats and used cooking oil, offering improved environmental performance and reduced carbon emissions. 

Accessing a landlocked site

Nebraska is landlocked, and getting to the job site with no immediate river access was challenging. The modularized pieces were too big to use traditional rail and trucking options, so UTC experts had to identify a roll-off location close to the job site where deck barges could dock. After several surveys and one year of prep work, they identified the closest discharge city as Brownville, Nebraska, which has a good boat ramp to accommodate a roll-off operation.

UTC experts developed a thorough method plan to send the cargo via barge up the Mississippi River to the Missouri River to get to Brownville. The equipment would then have to travel some 180 miles from Brownville to Hastings via road, requiring not only DOT permits, but also extensive utility work to avoid overhead obstructions.

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Seamless Multimodal Transport

The first reactors originating in Spain were delivered to Houston and trucked on specialized dolly systems to Hastings during the fourth quarter of 2023. In 2024, large module components originating in Shanghai were transported via heavy lift vessels to New Orleans with the help of UTC's China offices.

After this modular equipment was cleared through customs, shipments departed from the New Orleans entry port in February and April of 2024, traversing the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers on a 180' x 54' spud barge and a 250' x 54' deck barge.

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Fast-flowing Waters Necessitate a Change in Plans

The Missouri River is free-flowing and joined by numerous tributaries. With its many sand bars, the river is challenging to traverse, poses a risk to boats, and requires a local tug captain to navigate.

The initial plan was to place the first deck barge perpendicular to the shoreline in Brownville for a roll-off operation. however, the Missouri River levels and currents were unusually strong and high, measuring approximately 3.5 knots, and even with two assist tug-boats and the mooring system tied up to bulldozers and tractors on land, it was deemed too risky to unload in that fashion, so an alternate plan was implemented.

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Instead of rolling off using a SPMT, they decided to use a hydraulic crane. At the offloading site, a compaction test of the prepped area was conducted with the assembled crane boom slewing 360 degrees in timed intervals. No movement or shifting was observed under all four crane outriggers with load spreaders. With all precautions taken, it was safe to proceed.

The city of Brownville allowed UTC to use a solid laydown yard with an asphalt base near the landing area. Some of the modules were unloaded using the crane and moved to the temporary laydown yard.

Extreme Weather Conditions

It is well-known that the Missouri River is prone to flooding. Due to this, UTC’s team was diligent in routinely checking weather and water levels, especially during the ongoing operations.

The first two pieces were unloaded and moved to the staging site. Winds picked up and exceeded 20 mph, the maximum safety level for crane discharge. At the same time, they noticed the river gauge showed an 11-foot rise over the next few days. The crew consulted the Army Corps of Engineers website, which gauges water level fluctuations on the river, and discovered that flood gates in the North at Gavins Point Dam had been opened due to torrential rains feeding into the tributaries. Projections were certain that the landing area would be underwater by nightfall.

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Quick Thinking to Overcome Rising Waters

Matt Loll, UTC Executive VP of Global Project Development, recounts the harrowing conditions. “As hours passed, waters rose, and the crane was de-mobed and moved to protect equipment and labor. The entire staging area had to be vacated. A few hundred yards downriver, near a riverboat hotel utilized as an accommodation point, we discovered a calm cove protected from strong currents. The property owner was agreeable and very helpful in assisting with excavating the land area so the barge could dock at an even level. We built a ramp to allow the remaining three modules of equipment to roll off.

Additional challenges arose, and a build-up was necessary to allow the pieces to move from the new barge landing area to the new laydown site. The area was wooded, with no clear path for the equipment. Civil works and matting were necessary throughout to remove soil, rocks, and other debris and build a temporary bridge bypass allowing movement over the mooring system anchoring the riverboat hotel and matting a path to the laydown area. Mooring cables had to be protected and were channeled through cement blocks for stability. The remaining three modules rolled off and were parked in the hotel parking lot.”

The second lot, with 2 deck barges loaded with 12 modules in total, arrived in July of 2024. After unloading by the same roll-off method at the new landing-cove, they were again hit with near-record-breaking flooding of the Missouri River. UTC’s team prepared and elevated all modules on stands and beams to protect them from rising waters.

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Utility Companies Play a Key Role in Safe Transport

Staging the cargo was done at the roll-off locations in Brownville because it could not move to the job site until utility companies lifted wires along the route. There were 113 power and cable lines crossing the roads – a combination of residential and agricultural lines. Coordination had to be done with 13 different utility companies to clear the way for safe transport. Some components were 21 feet in height and could not clear the lines even when lifted using bucket trucks.

With the help of the project owners, the entire team had to negotiate with local utility companies from the end of 2023 until the end of 2024 to raise or exchange utility poles so the module heights could clear the lines safely. The majority of the power poles could only be raised/exchanged in the early fall to avoid interrupting agricultural harvests. This meant that the modules had to be staged for a few months before the move to the final leg to the jobsite could take place.

Averting Customs and Duty Concerns

Another significant challenge was the customs clearance process. There were concerns that anti-dumping and countervailing duties might apply to the equipment imported from China. To address this, UTC’s Alison Peters, Senior VP of Import Compliance, communicated early on with the client to ensure the proper codes were applied.

Alison and her team worked closely with customs brokers and legal experts to classify all components correctly, minimizing duties.

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Heavy Haul Move to Final Job Site

“In the fall of 2024, the convoy of machinery began moving from the temporary storage area to the job site. The moves were done two modules at a time with police escorts. In addition, a collaboration of utility companies joined the convoy, each covering their section of the route and adjusting lines. With pole replacements now complete, the larger pieces could clear the lines. A total of 17 modules were transported in eight-night moves,” states Michael Kaemerow, Project Director.

Inline image showing the UTC Overseas crew moving two huge Biofuel Refinery Plant modules with police escorts through a section of town during the night.

UTC Professionals Overcome Logistics Challenges

The entire process included over 2 years of surveys, planning, and execution, and involved coordination with various local and national agencies, including the Nebraska Department of Transportation (DOT), barge operators, utility companies, our heavy haul partners, and local governments.

UTC’s team of professionals overcame several challenges:

  • Two major floods and extreme wind conditions
  • Difficult terrain
  • Components close to 21 feet in height
  • Complex utility planning
  • Anti-dumping and countervailing duty concerns
  • Excavating barge landing areas and building a bypass bridge

Despite numerous diversions, the team successfully managed this large-scale transport and logistics operation, keeping the project on track and delivering the equipment to Hastings by the end of October 2024. The strength of UTC’s experienced and knowledgeable team and their ability to adapt to constantly changing conditions were on full display as they worked through numerous challenges to complete this job and meet the client’s timeline.

UTC's rail logistics team has specialized knowledge of your equipment, allowing us to provide the most innovative and cost-saving logistics solutions.

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UTC supports Poland’s largest renewable energy project

February 24, 2025
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| Categories: Point2Point
Featured image showing UTC Overseas transporting oversized electrical equipment for the construction of an onshore transformer station supporting the Baltic Power offshore wind farm.

UTC supports Poland’s largest renewable energy project

UTC Poland completed a challenging project transporting oversized electrical equipment for the construction of an onshore transformer station. 

Supporting the Baltic Power offshore windfarm, this ambitious project was a critical component in one of the most significant renewable energy developments in Poland, and it showcased UTC’s prowess in providing complex logistic solutions.

Project timeline: Key milestones in renewable energy logistics

The project unfolded over six months with meticulous preparation, including route analyses, administrative approvals, and technical design. It began with an initial delivery of components at the Port of Gdynia where transformers and shunt reactors were reloaded from a deep-sea vessel to a sea barge, and it continued to the Port of Władysławowo where they were stored and reloaded for road transport. The operation ended with the final delivery and installation at the transformer station construction site in Osieki Leborskie.

In all, this transport took about three weeks and involved moving oversized and overweight components:

• 4 Transformers - each weighing 354 tons.
• 4 Shunt Reactors - each weighing 135 tons.
• 180 General Cargo Units - total weight of approximately 250 tons.

Featured image showing UTC Overseas Poland at the Port of Gdynia where transformers and shunt reactors were unloaded from a deep-sea vessel.

Tackling Logistical Challenges in Heavy Equipment Transport

The oversized dimensions and extreme weight of the transformers and shunt reactors presented substantial challenges. Adding to the complexity were the logistical hurdles such as:

  • Navigating public roads with weight and size restrictions.
  • Addressing obstacles like dismantling power and telecommunication lines, road signs, and felling trees on the route.
  • Restoring infrastructure once the convoy passed.
  • Safeguarding infrastructure by constructing temporary fly-over bridges to secure existing bridges.
  • Securing a suitable storage area by erecting a temporary storage yard in Władysławowo to expedite seamless transshipments.
  • Adapting a ramp design to facilitate Ro-Ro operations at the Port of Władysławowo which is typically unsuitable for unloading deep-sea vessels. This was a first in the region.
Featured image showing UTC Overseas Poland at the Port of Gdynia where transformers and shunt reactors were unloaded from a deep-sea vessel.

Innovative Technology and Equipment for Safe Transport

UTC implemented innovative solutions and utilized state-of-the-art equipment for this complex job. LiDAR Technology provided precise 3D laser scanning to ensure route feasibility. A 76.20m x 24.38m x 4.88m barge with a deadweight 5,500t, was commissioned to navigate the sea route from Gdynia to Władysławowo.

Ro-Ro ramps were designed and custom-built specifically for unloading the equipment and special supports were used to enable the Ro-Ro loading. Two fly-over bridges were set in place to secure existing bridges. Two 14-axle line 3-file SPMT transport units were used to move the transformers on public roads, and two portable cranes with lifting capacities of 1,000t and 600t were used for loading and unloading.

Two 12-axle 2-file Scheuerle modular trailers moved shunt reactors across public roads while 30 standard sets transported general cargo shipments.

Successful Planning and Collaboration Drive Project Success

UTC’s entire Poland team was involved in the project along with many subcontractors. Regular meetings were held with all stakeholders to ensure seamless execution, mitigate risks, overcome challenges, and monitor budgets and timelines.

UTC’s multi-faceted talents, expertise, and knowledge were on full display. A multitude of tasks were necessary to perform this operation. They involved:

  • Technical studies, route survey analysis, and administrative arrangements
  • Technical drawings for the contracted scope of work
  • Sea transport and sea fastening; loading and unloading; and road transport including cargo lashings
  • Installation of equipment and related cargo at the construction site
  • Safety precautions were implemented at every step to ensure a safe job site
Featured image showing UTC Overseas transporting oversized electrical equipment for the construction of an onshore transformer station supporting the Baltic Power offshore wind farm.

UTC Sets New Standards in Renewable Energy Logistics

UTC Overseas Poland's innovative approach, precision planning, and expert execution have set new logistical standards in Poland. This project showcases the company's ability to deliver complex transport solutions, reinforcing its position as a leader in the logistics and renewable energy industries.

Completion of this wind farm is expected in 2026 at which time, energy produced will integrate into the national grid. It is expected to deliver renewable energy to over 1.5 million Polish households.

Featured image showing two UTC Overseas Logistics experts transporting oversized electrical equipment.

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UTC Poland has specialized knowledge of your equipment, allowing us to provide the most innovative and cost-saving logistics solutions.

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UTC sets new standard for ro-ro charters

April 18, 2024
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| Categories: Point2Point

UTC Sets New Standard with Massive Ro-Ro Charter

UTC recently transported a full charter of material handling machines for long-time customer and trusted partner, Sennebogen. 

UTC's Heavy Equipment Division coordinated the transport of 81 Sennebogen cranes on the Leo Leader, a chartered ro-ro vessel, from Bremerhaven, Germany to Charleston, South Carolina, setting a new standard for complexity and scale.

charted ro-ro vessel
Sennebogen cranes
freight tons

For 18 years, UTC has been transporting Sennebogen’s cargo to North America, building on their long-standing relationship based on trust, honesty, and confidence in each other’s abilities. UTC devised this ambitious chartering plan to safely move a large volume of equipment while being economically sound.

Departure from Bremerhaven

The journey began in Bremerhaven, Germany, as the Leo Leader set sail with unique cargo – the main deck completely filled with 81 Sennebogen material handling machines. UTC’s established relationships with shipping lines played a pivotal role in securing the necessary Ro-Ro space, a coveted commodity in an industry experiencing record movements of cranes and agriculture equipment.

The massive undertaking required meticulous planning and coordination to ensure the sheer size and weight of the shipment could be transported and loaded safely.  Multiple staging areas were set up dockside and positioned at the ready to complete the loading in one day.

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Challenges & Triumphs

The magnitude of the operation was enormous, with approximately 10,000 freight tons of machinery requiring precise loading so each piece could drive on and subsequently and efficiently drive off at the final destination.

Over 80 trucks transported the equipment to the port, a process that took time to plan due to the necessity of obtaining permits and setting up staging areas. Permitting in Germany is complex and lengthy, but the UTC Bremen office has longstanding relationships with truckers and the port allowing them to expedite the process.

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Loading intricacies

Patrik Meyer, UTC Manager – Heavy Equipment Development, who was on-site and directing the operation, recounts, “The loading process presented unique challenges, with every piece of machinery requiring specific positioning on the vessel. UTC has moved volumes of Sennebogen machines over the years and was familiar with each model, aiding in the proper placement of the valuable cargo. Blueprints were sent ahead of time, allowing for exact planning to ensure each unit could maneuver moving on and off the vessel, always considering the safety of the crew and equipment.”

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Units were carefully placed within inches of each other to guarantee everything fit in their tight, preassigned location. In addition to the efficient use of space, the cargo’s precise weight and size were crucial for proper balancing of the vessel.

Charter complexities

The Leo Leader faced unexpected delays when it encountered a storm and two hurricanes, highlighting the complexities of managing transportation in the face of unpredictable weather.

In addition, the cargo’s final destination changed after the paperwork was complete. This necessitated swiftly revising documents for 81 pieces of equipment to clear customs.

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Unloading in Charleston

UTC’s team scoped out the port before the vessel arrived in Charleston. This familiarity with the port’s setup and operations resulted in a solid, risk-free plan for discharge that led to a targeted, smooth process. The Sennebogen cargo, consisting of 79 assembled units, two unassembled units, and static cargo, was efficiently unloaded within the strict deadline.

The unloading began at 7:00 AM. The port actioned two to three people to unhook the cargo and two to three to drive and guide the units off the vessel. Multiple teams worked with precision in shifts that proceeded until 10:00 PM when all the cargo had safely moved to staging areas. The operation required careful coordination between port personnel, truck drivers, and UTC’s team to meet the vessel’s departure schedule.

A Flawless UTC Operation

Hans Meyer, UTC COO Heavy Equipment and Specialized Cargo, was proud of his team’s work. “The successful Ro-Ro charter of the Leo Leader stands as a testament to the expertise and dedication of UTC in tackling challenging logistical operations. The six-month planning process, attention to detail, and longstanding partnership with Sennebogen, the shipping lines, and the port all played pivotal roles in the operation’s success.”

Strong 18-year relationship

Constantino Lannes, President and CEO of Sennebogen North America, praised the seamless execution of the operation. “Chartering the Leo Leader was a tremendous task together with UTC to secure all this space and make sure we could deliver our machines to our customers when they expect them. We have worked with UTC for 18 years, and it has been tremendous cooperation. UTC takes care of the transportation of all our machines from Europe to the United States.”

UTC's heavy equipment team has specialized knowledge of your equipment, allowing us to provide the most innovative and cost-saving logistics solutions.

Contact us today!

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Time-sensitive air charter

April 1, 2023
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| Categories: Point2Point

utc arranges time sensitive air charter from egypt

UTCs air freight experts recently arranged a charter to transport aero-derivative gas turbines from Egypt to Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Originating in Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh, the units were flown to Chicago O'Hare. Once they arrived, UTC further coordinated the last-mile transport to multiple destinations to support power stations.

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Turbines were packed in specialized shipping cans for air charter transport

In total, the transport included three turbines that are components of power packs. Each pack contains a turbine, transformer, generator, and control unit. The turbines measured 218" x 102" x 102" and weighed 28,660 pounds each.

The gas turbines were transported in specialized shipping cans - hard, heavy-duty protective cases - designed to move power generation equipment.

The empty cans were transloaded onto trailers via four lifting eyes prior to placing the turbines. When the cans are fully loaded, the lifting procedure is adjusted to include a lifting bar and lashing to properly support the weight of the turbine.

Once loaded, the cans are pumped with nitrogen to displace oxygen, and sealed. These containers control the inside environment to keep out moisture and salt, which can be corrosive and damaging to expensive equipment.

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Engineers weigh in: determining the best plane for the job

Based on the dimensions of the turbines and shipping cans, UTC's team began looking for the best airfreight solution. A charter was arranged using the IL-76, a heavy-lift cargo aircraft that UTC engineers deemed most suitable for the job. It is a workhorse used to transport cargo and troops, and for aerial refueling and firefighting.

The IL-76's cabin size is large, able to accommodate approximately 160 cubic meters, with a payload capacity of 50 tons. The tail cargo door has expanding loading ramps, and the cabin is equipped with two electric winches, each with three-ton traction, and four electric hoists with a pulling capacity of up to 10 tons. Due to its size and the onboard equipment, it was the most efficient choice for the quick turnaround needed.

UTC moves this type of equipment on a regular basis, but this door-to-door move presented several notable challenges. An unusually short unloading time span, coordinating multiple international teams, and complicated paperwork added to the complexity of this job.

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IL-76 airplane on tarmac, blue skies in background. Urgent air charter to Egypt.

Challenge accepted: Air charter team executes plan flawlessly in face of tight unloading time frame

Arrangements began months in advance. Due to the flight crew's time constraints, they had only two hours on the ground. Each step in the process had to be performed with great precision since there was no time to spare in executing the plan.

UTC's Air Charter team was on the ground to carefully oversee the operation. Pre-coordination was key to getting the units ready to load quickly. The necessary equipment for loading and the handling crew had to be onsite and ready to spring into action.

Prior to the units landing, specialized trucks, airport storage, forklifts, security, ex-rays, airport clearance, and a myriad of other tasks were coordinated and ready. Proper paperwork, permits, certificates, and inspections were key to keeping the operation running swiftly.

UTC Overseas Air Charter Team
IL76_LM6000 CROP

Behind the scenes of an air charter transport: mobilizing cranes, forklifts, heavy duty-trucks and more

UTC provided a variety of services critical to the success of this project: customs, engineering, air freight, ground transportation, rigging, and more.

UTC's team worked closely with the engineers from Silkway Airlines to craft a loading and unloading plan for the IL76. Despite the complex paperwork involved, UTC's team arranged customs clearance, which was critical to allow for unloading.

Special ground handling equipment was required at three airports and both job sites. A 50T mobile crane with a spreader bar and rigging kit distributed pressure to avoid direct contact with container walls.

A 20T forklift with long forks for extensions, a 16T capacity forklift, three air ride flatbed trailers, airport dollies and pallets, heavy-duty trucks, and two main deck loaders assembled as a train to extend the length of the work surface were all necessary to the success of the project.

LM6000 cans unloading at port
full shipping can being loaded onto a trailer. loading beam and lashing support weight of full container. These were transported from Egypt to USA via air charter.

UTC has the knowledge and expertise to perform these transports under all types of adverse conditions. Despite the time-sensitive nature of this project, our international team had the know-how and boots on the ground to execute this plan to our customer's satisfaction.

UTC's air charter team has specialized knowledge of your equipment, allowing us to provide the most innovative and cost-saving logistics solutions.

Contact us today!

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UTC Sets New Heavylift Record

January 17, 2023
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heaviest cargo ever mobilized in colombia - fully assembled 300t engines

utc overcomes mounting challenges for greenfield project in colombia

UTC's global heavy lift experts coordinated the transportation of the heaviest cargo ever mobilized on Colombian roads.

Over the last two years, a team of UTC Overseas professionals has been transporting the equipment needed to operate the new El Tesorito power plant in Cordoba Province, Colombia. Having worked on many greenfield projects before, these specialists had the knowledge, experience, and contacts to arrange ocean transport, loading and unloading, port manipulation, storage, on-carriage, and discharge onto the foundation.

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Heaviest Piece:
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Diligent planning and precise execution were vital in carrying out the operation

UTC’s skilled crew took care of every detail, locating the port nearest the job site so the motors could ship fully assembled, saving the customer considerable time and money. The equipment would travel to the Port of Tolú, a breakbulk and project cargo facility with the capacity and infrastructure to handle the equipment efficiently.

Starting out as breakbulk cargo on multi-purpose vessels, the equipment began the first leg of the journey. The first shipment contained 11 generators weighing 72 tons each, along with 8,845 cubic meters of additional equipment. The second vessel carried three transformers, 97 tons each, and 460 cubic meters of accessories. The third vessel transported 11 assembled engines which were 300 tons each and six meters high. The oversized and overweight cargo originated in Brazil, Bolivia, the U.S., Finland, Italy, and Mexico. In addition to the equipment, there were over 400 containers of related material.

3 MAR 2022 Tesorito _ NO LOGO sized
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Challenges Mounting: Adverse weather, pandemic supply chain disruptions & holiday chaos factor in

With any large-scale EPC contract, there are many challenges to overcome, but this one was compounded by the Christmas and New Year holidays, the pandemic, and supply chain disruptions. A host of new, unfamiliar situations arose, such as port closings, labor shortages, and strict distancing and sanitary procedures. Weather also contributed as much of this move occurred during the rainy season.

Despite advance planning and extensive road surveys, unannounced road construction began on the planned route to the job site, so alternate plans had to be devised quickly. Security measures were developed and implemented for the new route ensuring safe passage for the personnel and equipment in the caravans.

The available bridge that led to the construction site could not hold the weight of the assembled units. The bridge needed reinforcing to allow safe passage. Due to excessive rain, the roads were muddy, and the river created high currents. The elevated water levels made excavation difficult, so a dam was constructed to impede the water flow. This type of work requires environmental licenses stipulating that everything must be returned to its natural state when work is completed. Due to this, the bridge reinforcements were deconstructed after the final equipment delivery.

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Last-mile transport: Local regulations & outreach

Abiding by local laws and regulations is essential when completing any project. This one went one step beyond, though. UTC was traversing rural communities with limited resources. Electricity had to be taken off-line for six-hour stretches each time a caravan of trucks moved through one of the towns. It was a hard sell to win over the locals and garner support for the project. The impact on the region was significant, but the long-term improvements would more than make up for the temporary disruptions.

UTC professionals became diplomats, meeting and discussing concerns with the local communities. Ignacio Benedetti, UTC Regional Director West Coast Latam, recounts some of the meetings. “This was a socially sensitive project. Power was interrupted as lines were moved to allow the large pieces to travel through towns on national roads. Generator backup did not exist, meaning residents and businesses were without power and water for long stretches - this happened multiple times over the course of a few months. We met with community leaders, business owners, and utility companies to explain the benefits of the project and the government’s investment in improving energy services. We shared an explanatory video to educate all concerned parties on the benefits of building up power resources in the area. To further complicate the situation, election training took place during one span of the project, and alternative energy sources had to be supplied so the training could be completed in time for election day.”

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Breaking records to support energy transition to renewables

“The weight of the units was massive and set a new record for the heaviest pieces mobilized on Colombian roads. To receive the necessary transport permits, bridge and infrastructure impact studies were required, and a route study and pavement calculations had to be completed to ensure weight compliance guidelines outlined in the permits were not exceeded. A thorough traffic control plan was also required, as was coordination with utility companies responsible for lifting the power, internet, and phone lines in the towns along the route. Equipment moved using Prime Movers. Their large turning radius precluded them from entering the facility, so the oversized equipment was transferred to SPMT to reach the foundations,” says Jorge Duarte, UTC Project Manager.

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El Tesorito will provide critical grid balancing capacity to supplement intermittent energy derived from renewable sources such as solar and wind and help the grid cope with varying weather conditions. In case of a shortage, it will also be available to provide backup power. It is an important project to support the energy grid in the region. The plant complies with strict environmental regulations and creates operational and maintenance jobs for the local population in this rural region.

UTC’s teams of experts successfully handled the myriad of obstacles that presented themselves throughout the execution of the project overcoming the challenges and delivering on time.

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