PROJECT CARGO | HEAVY TURBINE & COMPRESSOR FROM ANTWERP TO SAUDI ARABIA
Handling project cargo is never simply about moving heavy equipment from one point to another. For oversized and high-value machinery, every stage - from pre-shipment inspection and lifting to stowage and securing - requires careful planning and precise execution.
For one of our project, Eurise K coordinated the handling of a substantial industrial cargo consisting of turbines, a compressor, rotor components and smaller cases.
The shipment comprised 146 packages with a total weight of 400.853 MT and a volume of 2,202.821 CBM.
Preparing the Cargo Before the First Lift
Before loading operations began, a pre-shipment inspection was carried out at the breakbulk terminal in Antwerp.
The inspection covered all units, with particular attention given to their markings, declared weights and dimensions, and overall condition before shipment.
The cargo included several heavy and oversized pieces, making preparation essential before any lifting operation could begin.
Among the key pieces were:
Compressor - approximately 149 MT
Turbine - approximately 56 MT
Spare parts of the rotor
Smaller wooden cases and components
The inspection confirmed that the units were properly port-marked and that the indicated weights and dimensions were correctly stated.
Precision Behind Every Lift
Loading operations commenced early in the morning, with the first units lifted onboard.
The compressor, weighing approximately 149 MT, was brought alongside the vessel and prepared for lifting using a carefully arranged rigging system. The operation involved high-capacity slings, shackles, spreader bars and a 200 MT Gottwald shore crane.
Shortly afterwards, the turbine, weighing approximately 56 MT, was brought alongside. A similar lifting arrangement was prepared, including spreader bars and high-capacity lifting equipment.
These operations demonstrate an important aspect of project cargo handling: the lifting itself is only one part of the process. The equipment, rigging arrangement and lifting sequence must all work together to ensure the cargo can be transferred safely from quay to vessel.
Securing the Cargo for the Sea Voyage
Once the cargo was onboard, the next critical stage was lashing and securing.
Lashing operations began at 14:00 and were completed at 19:00, with the arrangements inspected upon completion.
For the 149 MT compressor, the securing arrangement included 28 steel link chains of 13 mm, together with four stoppers and back plates.
For the 56 MT turbine, 16 steel link chains of 13 mm and four stoppers with back plates were used.
Attention to Detail at Every Stage
Project cargo operations also require attention to the smaller components.
The rotor spare parts were secured using steel link chains and half loops, while the smaller wooden cases were secured against the side of the hold. Wooden chocking was used to fill gaps, with woven lashing belts applied to keep the cases in position.
This level of detail is essential because a project shipment is not defined only by its heaviest piece. Every component needs to remain properly positioned throughout handling and transportation.
More Than Moving Cargo
For heavy and project cargo, successful transportation depends on much more than vessel space.
It requires:
Planning
Proper lifting equipment
Experienced handling
Careful stowage
Effective lashing and securing
And close supervision throughout the operation
At Eurise K, we understand that every project cargo shipment comes with its own operational challenges. From heavy machinery to oversized industrial components, our role is to coordinate the logistics carefully and ensure that every stage is handled with the attention it deserves.
Because when cargo weighs hundreds of tonnes, precision matters at every step.
Need support for your next project cargo shipment?
📩 Contact us today and let our experts provide the right logistics solution for your busines
✈️ Air Cargo: air@eurisek.com
🚢 Ocean Cargo: ocean@eurisek.com
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