We are currently working on an ambitious project to transport cast steel plates that presented a particular set of challenges. These made-to-measure plates which weigh up to 30 tons and are to be transported safely and swiftly from China to Austria – in an upright position.
Our client, an Austrian industrial firm, required an economical yet reliable transportation solution for this major long-term project. In close collaboration with our client, we devised an innovative approach to loading the plates that not only reduced shipping costs but also met the highest safety standards.
The transportation of heavy goods such as cast steel plates comes with many challenges. The enormous weight and exceptional dimensions involved call for precise logistical planning. For this project we opted to ship the plates standing – an ambitious approach that required meticulous planning in terms of both stability and safety, while simultaneously satisfying all legal requirements.
Instead of using conventional flat-rack containers, we opted for a tailor-made solution: the custom-developed 20 HC HT ILGU Super-heavy Container. These specialized containers with a load capacity of 38,000 tons allow for optimal use of space, while drastically reducing transportation costs.
The project centered around securing the load. The acceleration forces exerted when transporting heavy goods are enormous, especially at sea, on rail and on motorways. Securing techniques, therefore, had to comply with the highest safety standards.
In order to fix the steel plates various equipment had to be deployed: Anti-slip mats (ASM), lashing systems and polystyrene blocks.
These provided additional stability while minimizing the impact of external forces on the load.
All securing techniques were specially conceived with the particulars of the project in mind and comply with international safety standards such as EN 12195-1 and CTU-Code.
One innovation that set this project apart was the decision to transport the cast steel plates upright. This strategy allowed us to fully exploit the container’s height while reducing the need for space horizontally.
This layout allowed for more plates to be transported in a single container, thus reducing the overall number of shipments.
The result: minimal environmental impact and a significant reduction in costs for the client.
This project highlights how technological innovation and thorough planning can offer new perspectives on traditional approaches to transportation while informing the development of more sustainable, more efficient solutions. Transporting heavy goods in an upright position has proven to be an economical as well as reliable approach, with huge potential for future logistics projects.
The use of specialized equipment and modern technology has given rise to new possibilities in the field of heavy-duty logistics that will not only alleviate costs, but will significantly boost efficiency and sustainability as well.
This project clearly demonstrates that heavy duty logistics is so much more than just technical know-how and adhering to regulations. And that custom-engineered solutions, creative approaches and a lot of flexibility are key to satisfying the specific needs of our clients.
