10 things you didn't know about project cargo logistics

1. Heavy lift and project cargo logistics operations are an essential part of many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and energy. These operations involve the transportation and handling of large and heavy items, such as machinery, equipment, and structures. The success of these operations relies on careful planning, coordination, and execution to ensure the safe and efficient movement of the cargo from one location to another. Most of the companies in Malaysia that needed require this operations are Petronas, TNB, MMHE and more.
2. The first step in a heavy lift or project cargo logistics operation is the planning phase. This involves determining the size, weight, and dimensions of the cargo, as well as the route and method of transportation. It also involves obtaining any necessary permits and permissions, such as road closures or crane permits. The planning phase also includes identifying any potential risks and hazards, and developing a plan to mitigate them. Our team usually made a route survey prior to each trip taking notes of the bridges, overhead bridges, tunnels, electrical / telecommunication lines and more. In some cases we do have police escorts too.
3. Once the planning phase is complete, the next step is the preparation phase. This includes the assembling of the necessary equipment, such as cranes, trailers, and rigging. It also includes the preparation of the cargo, such as packaging and securing it for transportation. This phase also includes the training of personnel involved in the operation, such as crane operators and riggers. In Malaysia, these drivers, operators and riggers need to undergo Department of Safety & Health DOSH permit as a minimum requirement to handle this jobs.
4. The transportation phase is the next step in a heavy lift or project cargo logistics operation. This involves the actual movement of the cargo from one location to another. It can involve multiple modes of transportation, such as road, rail, sea, or air. The transportation phase also includes the coordination of the various modes of transportation and the transfer of the cargo from one mode to another. At the ports we usually charter a break-bulk ship to carry these cargoes such as transformers, pressure vessels and even a helicopter. At the airports we will charter the full freighter to carry such project cargoes. The biggest of such freighters are usually a Russian Antonov aircraft.
5. The handling and loading phase is the next step in the heavy lift or project cargo logistics operation. This involves the use of cranes and other heavy equipment to load and unload the cargo. It also includes the rigging and securing of the cargo to ensure it is stable and secure during transportation. This phase also involves the coordination of the various personnel involved, such as crane operators and riggers. Available ship to shore cranes in the ports do not have the capacity or ability to handle the safe working load to carry such cargo. External 3rd party shore cranes are often being used to support these operations. One of the 5 biggest of such is the Asian Hercules. They are used to lift and put Container Terminal Quay Cranes into their position.
6. The offloading and unloading phase is the next step in a heavy lift or project cargo logistics operation. This involves the use of cranes and other heavy equipment to unload and place the cargo in its final destination. It also includes the unrigging and removal of any packaging or securing materials. This phase also involves the coordination of the various personnel involved, such as crane operators and riggers. The same Asian Hercules cranes are used for the discharging operations as well
7. The commissioning phase is the final step in a heavy lift or project cargo logistics operation. This involves the testing and commissioning of the cargo to ensure it is in proper working order. It also includes any necessary repairs or maintenance. The commissioning phase also includes the training of personnel on the proper operation and maintenance of the cargo. These group of people are usually third party engineers or the engineers flown in from the brand manufacturers to ensure safe working operations during the commissioning stage.
8. Safety is a critical aspect of heavy lift and project cargo logistics operations. It involves identifying and mitigating any potential hazards, such as unstable cargo or poor weather conditions. It also includes the proper training of personnel and the use of appropriate equipment and techniques to ensure the safe movement and handling of the cargo.
9. Heavy lift and project cargo logistics operations can be complex and require a high degree of coordination and expertise. It is important to work with experienced and reputable companies that have the necessary equipment, personnel, and expertise to ensure the safe and efficient transportation and handling of the cargo.
10. In conclusion, heavy lift and project cargo logistics operations are an essential part of many industries. They involve the transportation and handling of large and heavy items, such as machinery, equipment, and structures. The success of these operations relies on careful planning, coordination, and execution to ensure the safe and efficient movement of the cargo from one location to another. It is important to work with experienced and reputable companies that have the necessary equipment, personnel, and expertise to ensure the safe and efficient transportation and handling of the cargo.

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Over the years Sufi Group has had the experiences to manage such cargo from important clientele in the Power & Energy industries for projects such as Coal Powered Power Plants and Hydroelectric Power Plants. Recently Sufi Group secured and completed a relocation of automotive plant with 4 x 800 tonnes press stamping machines and their accessories from Bukit Beruntung, Malaysia to Cikarang, Indonesia. We used about 4 breakbulk vessels and about 56 40HC to 40FR containers. It took us about 1 year (during COVID19) to complete from planning, dismantling, trucking, shipping, clearance and commissioning.