What Made This Coastal Project Unique?
Total Movements International, a proud member of the XLProjects Network (XLP), recently completed a remarkable door-to-port multimodal logistics feat: moving a 375-ton vacuum tower from the western to the eastern coastline of India. This project cargo operation was not only a test of engineering precision but also a display of adaptability against geographical, infrastructural, and environmental odds.
The operation began with the pickup of the oversized cargo from the supplier’s facility. What followed was a seamless integration of road transport, coastal shipping, and specialized discharge operations — all under tight timeframes and weather constraints.
How Were Infrastructure and Environmental Challenges Managed?
To mitigate the limitations posed by infrastructure and terrain, Total Movements International opted for a hybrid transport solution combining road and coastal shipping. The cargo, measuring 55.73 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 9.45 meters in height, demanded meticulous pre-transport route analysis and equipment planning.
Among the key engineering interventions were:
- Shutdowns of 16 electric lines en route to ensure obstruction-free movement
- Civil work reinforcements at sharp turns using over 100 steel plates
- Cargo stability assurance despite monsoonal weather during transit
What Specialized Equipment and Coordination Were Required?
The complexity of this project logistics operation required customized transport configurations to navigate weight and dimensional constraints at the load port. A Super Heavy Lift vessel was chartered and converted to fly an Indian flag, enabling it to perform coastal shipping under local regulations.
At the discharge port, a double banking operation — transferring cargo between vessels at sea — was conducted under the strict supervision of a Marine Warranty Surveyor, ensuring the highest standards of safety and precision.
Project Cargo Summary Table
| Item | Description |
| Cargo | Vacuum Tower |
| Total Weight | 375 tons |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 55.73 m x 10 m x 9.45 m |
| Transport Mode | Road + Coastal (Multimodal) |
| Load Port | Western Coast, India |
| Discharge Port | Eastern Coast, India |
| Weather Challenges | Monsoon Season |
| Engineering Measures | Electric line shutdowns, civil work reinforcements |
| Vessel Used | Super Heavy Lift (converted to Indian flag) |
What Can We Learn from This Project?
This successful delivery of heavy and oversized cargo reinforces the capabilities of Total Movements International in executing technically demanding shipments. The operation showcases how thoughtful planning, collaborative stakeholder involvement, and dynamic execution are essential for success in project cargo.
“These engineered solutions are a testament to our team’s commitment, agility, and technical expertise in executing complex multimodal logistics with precision.”
Summary
Total Movements International, a member of the XLProjects Network, has once again proven its strength in delivering large-scale, cross-country project logistics in India. Their innovative use of multimodal transportation and proactive mitigation of challenges exemplifies their dedication to solving the toughest logistics puzzles.
