Logistics firm deugro has transported a 254-tonne well fluid slug catcher from Nizwa, Oman, to Mina Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The complex operation involved overcoming significant logistical challenges, including transporting the oversized cargo through challenging terrain.

deugro’s teams in Oman and the UAE secured the contract for this project based on their expertise in technical concepts, which included a sophisticated transport engineering solution and timely ocean freight options despite very tight deadlines. To ensure the safe and timely transport of the oversized and heavy lift slug catcher, deugro organized a route survey, detailed transport, stability, lashing, and lifting plans, and regular technical meetings with the client and dteq Transport Engineering Solutions (dteq).

The cargo was to be picked up in Nizwa in southeastern Oman. Despite the geographical proximity of the Port of Sohar, a route survey determined that the Port of Duqm would be the ideal port of departure to minimize costly and time-consuming route and civil work.

“The biggest challenge was the pre-carriage from the cargo pick-up location in the Nizwa Industrial Estate to the Port of Duqm, Oman. Due to the cargo’s dimensions and weight, the identification of the best-suited route and any potential obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads, road crossings and overhead signboards was vital to ensure safe and on-time delivery,” said Deepak Fernandes, Transport Engineer, dteq Transport Engineering Solutions, UAE.

The slug catcher was received and secured under the personal supervision of dteq on a multi-axle hydraulic trailer, following dteq’s securing arrangement. Prior to the journey, a site survey was conducted in collaboration with dteq to discuss procedures with the heavy hauler and the client to ensure safe operations.

After inspecting the trailer, prime mover, and securing, the trailer embarked on a 700-kilometer journey to the Port of Duqm, Oman. The road route necessitated minor modifications, such as levelling, filling, and compacting loose soil and potholes, removing poles and sign boards, installing scaffolding and plywood to cross an interlock area, as well as major modifications such as removing road guard rails.

“High wind speeds and sandstorms between Nizwa, Ghaba, Qarn Alam, Haima and Duqm along the route meant great caution was essential to ensure the safety of the workers and the cargo. Therefore, during the journey, we provided daily status updates for all parties involved,” said Shaheen Sherif, Operations Manager, deugro Muscat.

After five days, the slug catcher arrived at the Port of Duqm. It was loaded with centimeter precision by the heavy lift vessel’s cranes and under the personal supervision of the local deugro team. Once securely stowed and lashed in accordance with the method statements prepared by dteq, the vessel set sail to Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi, UAE. There, it was unloaded directly onto SPMTs under the personal supervision of deugro UAE, ready for on-carriage to its final destination.