Project cargo encompasses large-scale, complex shipments typically associated with industrial construction projects—power plants, refineries, mining operations, and infrastructure development. These shipments require specialized planning, equipment, and logistics expertise.
What Is Project Cargo?
Characteristics
- Oversized or overweight items
- Multiple shipments to one project
- Coordinated delivery schedules
- Specialized handling requirements
- Often to remote locations
Typical Project Cargo
| Industry |
Cargo Examples |
| Energy |
Turbines, generators, transformers |
| Oil & Gas |
Modules, reactors, columns |
| Mining |
Crushers, conveyors, haul trucks |
| Wind |
Blades, towers, nacelles |
| Infrastructure |
Bridges, cranes, rail equipment |
Project Cargo Categories
By Size
| Category |
Description |
Examples |
| Heavy lift |
Over 100 tons |
Reactors, modules |
| Oversize |
Exceeds standard dimensions |
Turbine blades, towers |
| Out of gauge (OOG) |
Exceeds container dimensions |
Large machinery |
| High/wide |
Height or width challenges |
Transformers |
By Complexity
| Level |
Characteristics |
| Simple |
Standard heavy cargo |
| Moderate |
Some route challenges |
| Complex |
Multiple transport modes |
| Extreme |
Major engineering required |
Project Cargo Logistics
Planning Phase
- Survey cargo - Dimensions, weights, specifications
- Route survey - Road, bridge, infrastructure assessment
- Method selection - Sea, air, road, rail combinations
- Equipment planning - Cranes, transporters, rigging
- Permit acquisition - Oversize/overweight permits
- Timeline development - Critical path scheduling
Execution Phase
- Factory/origin preparation
- Rigging and loading
- Sea/air transport
- Port operations
- Inland transport
- Site delivery
- Positioning/installation support
Transport Modes for Project Cargo
Ocean
- Heavy lift vessels
- Multipurpose vessels
- Semi-submersible ships
- Deck carriers
Inland
- Multi-axle trailers
- Self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT)
- Rail (for some cargo)
- Barge (river/coastal)
Specialized Equipment
| Equipment |
Use |
| SPMT |
Very heavy, precise positioning |
| Goldhofer trailers |
Heavy oversize road transport |
| Strand jacks |
Lifting and positioning |
| Gantry systems |
On-site movement |
Project Cargo Documentation
Required Documents
- Detailed specifications
- Lift drawings
- Transport drawings
- Route survey reports
- Permit applications
- Insurance certificates
- Safety method statements
Cargo Specifications Needed
Item: Gas Turbine
Weight: 285,000 kg
Dimensions: 12.5m × 5.2m × 4.8m
Center of gravity: Drawing attached
Lift points: 4 trunnions (spec attached)
Transport restrictions: Max tilt 3°
Value: $45,000,000
Project Cargo Pricing
Cost Components
| Component |
Description |
| Ocean freight |
Vessel space/charter |
| Port handling |
Cranes, stevedoring |
| Inland transport |
Trucks, permits, escorts |
| Engineering |
Route surveys, lift plans |
| Insurance |
All-risk coverage |
| Project management |
Coordination services |
Pricing Approach
- Custom quoted per project
- Not standard tariff rates
- Based on detailed specs
- May include contingencies
- Progress payments common
Project Cargo Challenges
Logistical
- Remote delivery locations
- Infrastructure limitations
- Multi-modal coordination
- Weather dependencies
- Port congestion
Technical
- Weight distribution
- Lift engineering
- Securing at sea
- Route obstructions
- Equipment availability
Administrative
- Permit lead times
- Customs complexities
- Insurance requirements
- Regulatory compliance
Project Cargo Specialists
What They Provide
- Engineering expertise
- Equipment access
- Route knowledge
- Permit relationships
- Risk management
- Single-point accountability
Major Project Cargo Providers
- Mammoet
- Sarens
- ALE (Alton)
- DHL Industrial Projects
- Kuehne+Nagel Projects
- DB Schenker Projects
Insurance Considerations
Why Special Coverage
- High values
- Complex risks
- Multiple transport modes
- Installation exposure
Coverage Types
- Marine cargo (all-risk)
- Delay in start-up (DSU)
- Installation floater
- Third-party liability
- Equipment breakdown