Global project freight forwarder deugro has successfully delivered over 7,324 cubic metres and more than 1,441 metric tons of critical equipment from Oman to Belgium on behalf of client Worley, as part of the INEOS Terminal Expansion Project. The operation was carried out by deugro Belgium, deugro Netherlands, and deugro Oman, in close collaboration with dteq Transport Engineering Solutions.
Oversized Cargo, Complex Logistics
The shipment comprised nine oversized and heavy lift units weighing up to 200 metric tonnes, including three ethylene vessel skids, three refrigerant chiller skids, and three refrigerant compressor skids. The cargo was collected by self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) and hydraulic trailers from a supplier facility in the Sohar Industrial Estate in Oman.
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During a preliminary inspection at the manufacturer’s premises, dteq identified that several cargo units had been positioned too close to surrounding obstacles, preventing direct self-loading. Those units required double handling — first moved using a temporary transport solution to an area with sufficient manoeuvring space before being reloaded according to the approved final transport plan.
Given the size, weight, and local road restrictions, the 18.5-kilometre overland journey to an intermediate storage area at Sohar Port was conducted during nighttime hours at walking speed. The convoy was escorted by deugro’s local teams and escort vehicles within the industrial and port areas, with the Royal Oman Police providing additional guidance on public roads. A detailed route survey, conducted by dteq on deugro’s behalf, had been completed in advance to ensure a safe passage.
Engineering Solutions in the Field
One significant challenge emerged during load-out preparations. Six of the nine skids featured lifting lugs positioned at height, originally designed for 300-metric-tonne shackles. Working at 12 metres with shackle and pin assemblies weighing over 100 kilograms presented safety concerns for the lifting crews.
Giovanni Nigro, senior naval architect at dteq Transport Engineering Solutions, explained the solution the team developed. “We requested approval to use lower and lighter shackles to ensure easier and safer lifting operations,” he said. Since the lifting lugs could not be modified and operations had to comply with DNV standards, the team designed, manufactured, and procured a set of tailored spacer rings and sleeves for each cargo unit. These were pre-installed on the existing lifting lugs to compensate for the difference between lug and shackle pin diameters, enabling the safe use of 120-metric-ton shackles throughout the operation.
An Ocean Voyage and a Complex Discharge
After all units were loaded and secured at Sohar Port, the vessel departed on a nearly 10,800-nautical-mile, 38-day ocean voyage to the Port of Antwerp via the Cape of Good Hope.
Upon arrival at the PSA Breakbulk terminal in Antwerp, discharge was carried out via a double-banking lifting operation. deugro Antwerp secured two RO/RO flat-top pontoons, which were positioned alongside the vessel in sequence. Continuous ballasting of the pontoons was required to maintain stability as each cargo unit was landed. Once secured, both pontoons were towed by tug to Singelweg Quay, four nautical miles away.
Due to limited ground bearing capacity and restricted manoeuvring space at the quay, a floating crane was deployed to discharge the cargo units from the pontoons onto SPMTs and hydraulic trailers waiting on the pier. Significant tidal variation at the site — with sea levels dropping up to 11 metres below the quayside at low tide — required careful planning to determine safe lifting heights throughout the operation.
A Project Built on Coordination
Joost Maranus, project manager at deugro Antwerp, credited the outcome to the collaborative effort across all parties involved. “Meticulous planning and preparation, combined with close and clockwork-like operational collaboration and communication between all partners, as well as the seamless coordination between on-site project management and transport engineering, made this project a success,” he said.
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