First Critical Shipment Delivered Despite Regional Challenges
Deufol Döhle Projects (DDP), a leading player in complex project logistics, has successfully executed the first critical shipment for a major hydropower project currently under construction in Laos. The project, located deep in the Lao highlands, forms part of a wider push for sustainable energy infrastructure across Southeast Asia.
The initial shipment was delivered during Thailand’s Songkran holidays, a period known for nationwide festivities and public closures. Despite facing multiple logistical challenges – including unexpected road construction, limited workforce availability, and the onset of the rainy season – DDP’s team ensured all cargo reached the site safely and on schedule.
The transport over 1,200 km included heavy and oversized cargo, requiring detailed planning, risk mitigation, and a 9-hour upstream transport through the Mekong River’s wild-water sections. The success of this delivery highlights DDP’s in-house capabilities in transport engineering, heavy haulage, customs consulting, and project coordination across borders.
Port of Loading: Laem Chabang, Thailand
Port of Destination: Hydropower site, Laos P.D.R.
Load Details: Multiple heavy-lift cargo units including over-dimensional equipment (largest/heaviest: eight items with 1,110 (L) x 590 (W) x 425 (H) cm weighing up to 75t
Collaboration: Executed in close cooperation with Thai and Laotian partners, transport engineering, and the client’s project teams
Challenges: Holiday-related constraints, road construction, river navigation, and rainy season conditions
Project Details: Total >200,000 frt with around 100 HL/OOG items until 2028
The project is the first of several major shipments planned over the next three years, reflecting DDP’s growing footprint in the renewables and energy infrastructure sector in Southeast Asia. With operational teams in both Germany and Thailand, and strong partnerships throughout Southeast Asia, DDP continues to provide tailored logistics solutions that ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective project execution.
Benjamin Ress, Managing Director of DDP Thailand:
“After years of involvement, it was a true pleasure to see all teams work so seamlessly. The hands-on collaboration between our teams, partners, and client made this first of many critical shipments a real success – and something we’re proud of.”
Thanapon Varintree, Director of Business Development & Sales (Southeast Asia) of DDP Thailand:
“Decades of hydro project experience in mainland Southeast Asia and strong in-house engineering were key to this successful multimodal transport. From jetty upgrades to barge prep and cross-border permits, our team ensured everything was in place for a smooth execution. This is just the beginning of our continued commitment to hydro development in the region.”
A short video giving behind-the-scenes insight into this transport operation has been released by DDP in coordination with their client and the project owner. It captures key milestones and challenges faced on the ground, available via DDP’s LinkedIn page.
