Introduction:

This case study details the successful relocation of two massive steel presses from a factory in Germany to a new site in Turkey. The project, executed by Access World, involved complex logistics, including precarriage, barge transport, transshipment, and final delivery. The operation stands out as one of the heaviest door-to-door transports ever handled by Access World and one of the most significant heavy-lift movements on Turkish roads in 2024.

Background:

The client required the relocation of two steel presses, each weighing 315 tons and measuring 15.00 x 4.50 x 2.07 meters, from Duisburg, Germany, to Derince, Turkey. The sheer size and weight of the cargo, combined with the need for transshipment in Antwerp, made this a highly complex and challenging project.

Challenges:

  1. Cargo Dimensions and Weight: Each steel press weighed 315 tons, making them some of the heaviest units ever transported by Access World.
  2. Multimodal Transport: The project required a combination of road, barge, and sea transport, with transshipment in Antwerp.
  3. Port Handling: Loading and unloading the cargo required specialized equipment, including a 1,500-ton capacity floating crane.
  4. Final Delivery: Transporting the presses to the jobsite in Turkey involved navigating Turkish roads, which posed additional logistical and regulatory challenges.

Solution:

Access World leveraged its expertise in heavy-lift logistics to design a comprehensive solution:

  1. Precarriage: The steel presses were transported from the origin factory to the barge terminal in Duisburg using specialized road transport.
  2. Barge Transport: A barge equipped with a 1,500-ton capacity floating crane was used to load and transport the cargo from Duisburg to Antwerp.
  3. Transshipment: In Antwerp, the presses were unloaded from the barge and reloaded onto a chartered vessel for the sea leg to Derince, Turkey.
  4. Final Delivery: Upon arrival in Derince, the cargo was offloaded and transported to the jobsite using multi-axle modular trailers.

Execution:

The project was executed in the following stages:

  1. Precarriage: The presses were carefully transported to the Duisburg barge terminal using heavy-duty trailers.
  2. Barge Loading and Transport: A 1,500-ton floating crane was used to load the presses onto the barge, which then transported them to Antwerp.
  3. Port Handling in Antwerp: The cargo was unloaded from the barge and reloaded onto a chartered vessel for the journey to Turkey.
  4. Sea Transport: The chartered vessel carried the presses from Antwerp to Derince, Turkey.
  5. Final Delivery: Multi-axle modular trailers were used to transport the presses from Derince Port to the jobsite.

Results:

The project was completed successfully, achieving the following outcomes:

  1. On-Time Delivery: The steel presses were delivered to the jobsite in Turkey within the agreed timeframe.
  2. Safe Handling: Despite the cargo’s size and weight, all handling and transport operations were executed without incident.
  3. Record-Breaking Achievement: This project marked the heaviest door-to-door transport ever handled by Access World and one of the heaviest movements on Turkish roads in 2024.
  4. Client Satisfaction: The client praised Access World for its professionalism, expertise, and ability to handle such a complex operation.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Expertise in Heavy-Lift Logistics: Access World’s experience in handling oversized and heavy cargo was critical to the project’s success.
  2. Multimodal Coordination: The seamless integration of road, barge, and sea transport demonstrated Access World’s capability to manage complex logistics chains.
  3. Specialized Equipment: The use of a 1,500-ton floating crane and multi-axle modular trailers highlighted the importance of having the right tools for the job.
  4. Client-Centric Approach: Understanding the client’s needs and delivering a tailored solution reinforced Access World’s reputation as a reliable logistics partner.

Conclusion:

The successful relocation of the steel presses from Germany to Turkey underscores Access World’s ability to handle even the most challenging logistics projects. By leveraging its expertise, resources, and commitment to excellence, Access World delivered a record-breaking operation that met the client’s requirements and set a new benchmark in heavy-lift logistics. This project serves as a testament to the company’s capability to deliver innovative and efficient solutions for complex transportation needs.