[Shanghai, China] – In a recent project, our company successfully completed the transportation of a large excavator from Shanghai, China to Durban, South Africa by break bulk,This operation once again highlighted our expertise in handling BB cargo and project logistics, especially when faced with urgent schedules and technical challenges.
Project Background
The client needed to deliver a heavy-duty excavator to Durban for use in local construction and infrastructure projects. The machine itself posed significant challenges for international transport: it weighed 56.6 tons and measured 10.6 meters in length, 3.6 meters in width, and 3.7 meters in height.
Transporting such oversized equipment over long distances is always demanding, but in this case, the urgency of the client’s timeline made the task even more critical. The project required not only reliable scheduling but also innovative technical solutions to ensure safe, efficient delivery.
Key Challenges
Several major obstacles had to be overcome before the excavator could be shipped:
1. Excessive Weight of Single Unit
At 56.6 tons, the excavator exceeded the handling capacity of many conventional vessels and port equipment.
2. Oversized Dimensions
The dimensions of the machine made it unsuitable for containerized transport and difficult to stow securely on vessels.
3. Limited Shipping Options
At the time of execution, there were no heavy-lift break bulk vessels available on the Shanghai–Durban route. This eliminated the most straightforward shipping solution and required the team to seek alternatives.
4. Tight Deadline
The client’s project schedule was non-negotiable, and any delay in delivery would have directly impacted their operations in South Africa.
Our Solution
To address these challenges, our project logistics team conducted a detailed technical assessment and developed a customized shipping plan:
• Alternative Vessel Selection
Instead of relying on unavailable heavy-lift carriers, we opted for a multipurpose conventional break bulk vessel with standard lifting capacity.
• Disassembly Strategy
To comply with weight limitations, the excavator was carefully dismantled into multiple components, ensuring that each piece weighed less than 30 tons. This allowed safe lifting and handling at both the loading and discharge ports.
• Engineering and Preparation
The dismantling process was carried out by experienced engineers with strict attention to precision and safety. Special packing, labeling, and documentation were prepared to guarantee smooth reassembly upon arrival.
• Stowage and Securing Plan
Our operations team designed a tailored lashing and securing plan to ensure stability during the long sea voyage from East Asia to Southern Africa.
• Close Coordination
Throughout the process, we maintained close communication with the shipping line, port authorities, and the client to ensure seamless execution and real-time visibility of the OOG transport.
Execution and Results
The disassembled excavator parts were successfully loaded at Shanghai port, each piece lifted safely within vessel limits. Thanks to thorough preparation and the professionalism of the onsite stevedoring team, the loading operation was completed without incident.
During the voyage, continuous monitoring and careful handling ensured the cargo arrived in Durban in perfect condition. Upon discharge, the equipment was promptly reassembled and delivered to the client on time, meeting their operational requirements.
Client Recognition
The client expressed high appreciation for the efficiency and problem-solving ability demonstrated throughout the project. By overcoming limitations in vessel availability and engineering a practical disassembly plan, we not only safeguarded the cargo but also ensured strict compliance with the delivery schedule.
Conclusion
This project serves as another strong example of our ability to deliver innovative logistics solutions for oversized and heavy cargo. By combining technical expertise with flexible problem-solving, we successfully transformed a challenging situation—no heavy-lift vessels available, oversized cargo, and tight timelines—into a smooth, well-executed shipment.
Our team remains committed to providing reliable, safe, and efficient project logistics services worldwide. Whether for construction machinery, industrial equipment, or complex project cargo, we continue to uphold our mission: “Bounded by transport limits, but never by service.”
Post time: Sep-11-2025