1. HEAVY-LIFT CARGO
TRANSPORTATION -
A PRACTICAL APPROACH IN THE MIDDLE EAST CIRCUMSTANCES
CLEMENT STEPHEN
A PARTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE COURSE FULFILMENT OF M.B.A.PROGRAM -
MAJOR LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT, YEAR -2006-2007
STUDENT NO: 150733, COLUMBUS UNIVERSITY, PICAYUNE, P.O. BOX: 879,
M.S. U.S.A.
4. Preface
Heavy-Lift Cargo (HLC) Transportation in the Middle East circumstances focuses
mainly on the growing demand for Heavy Lift Cargo (HLC) transportation in the
Middle Eastern countries. This thesis further explains what are the general
precautions shall be taken while preparing for the Heavy-Lift Cargo (HLC)
transportation in these countries. The impact of oil revenue windfall and the
related construction boom witnessed by the Middle Eastern countries demand for
more heavy and over dimensioned cargo influx for the timely project completions
in several Middle East locations.
Time bound project completion is one of the hall-mark of Middle East country
constructions. The outsourcing for the Heavy Lift Cargo from the nearby regions
received more encouragement during the recent decade. This paradigm shift
invited reputed multinational Heavy-Lift shipping companies and transport
operators into a more competitive and cost effective operations. A few
specialized companies in this field showed ample interest in opening their Middle
East branch offices into this region. Along with international Heavy Lift Cargo
operators, some of the local transporters also emerged into this field with huge
investments. This added competition in this field. Yes, the rule is that ‘survival of
the fittest’. Only the fittest can survive a competitive international market.
5. The paper also gives some wind about the contractual obligations of the main
contractor to the Client in these regions, while shipping and transporting Heavy-
Lift Cargo (HLC). The need for vast and elaborate preparations required by the
shipper, transporter and all relevant parties for the successful and safe Heavy-Lift
Cargo transportation is also highlighted. It gives a basic idea about the role that
the all parities in the supply chain much abide by in planning a Heavy-Lift Cargo
shipping and transportation. A few details of Heavy-Lift Cargo airfreight too being
highlighted circumstantially.
This Thesis lists a number of Heavy-Lift Cargo transportations took place in the
Middle East Countries in this region. The Heavy-Lift shipping companies as well
as the Heavy-Lift transportation companies who are major players in this region
are listed to assist any interested parties.
The final recommendations of Heavy-Lift Cargo Transportation precautions
recommended by the author are presumed to be helpful.
Clement Stephen, Doha, Qatar
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to the guidance and support received from Dr. Shannon, O’ Brien, the
Faculty Advisor of Columbus University whose constant advice and guidance
had been instrumental to me in the completion of this thesis. And Helen from
Columbus University deserves my gratitude for the guidance and support.
My special thanks to my friends and colleagues from whom I have derived
emotional support for this composition while I was an employee with Toshiba
Corporation in Abu Dhabi
Thanks to Mr. Raju Abraham, shipping manager of Peeraj Clearing & forwarding
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E, whose emotional support and discussions had been helpful.
Mr. Ranjeev Menon, the Country Manager of Agility, the new name for PWC-
Logistics, Qatar, deserves my gratitude for the emotional support I received.
The warmth and naughtiness of my kids, Mel, Mia & Margret emotionally
motivated me for completing this work. My wife, Anitha whose supportive
emotion always been a motivating factor in this composition.
7. CONTENTS Page
INTRODUCTION 1-7
Chapter 1 Heavy-Lift Cargo Transportation-Definition 8-17
Chapter 2 Heavy-Lift Cargo Load Port preparations and loading 18-26
Chapter 3 Heavy-Lift Cargo – Shipping and discharge port preparations 27-35
Chapter 4 Heavy-Lift Cargo- Transportation: 36-44
a) Route Survey
b) Load plan and method statement
c) Heavy lift multi-axle trailers
d) Jacking and skidding system
Chapter 5 Heavy-Lift Cargo Health and Safety aspects 45-50
Chapter 6 Heavy-Lift Cargo Lifter (Air Freight) 51-53
Chapter 7 Heavy-Lift Cargo effective coordination for smoother operation 54-67
Chapter 8 Recommendations for the future 68-70
References 71-71
Abbreviations 72-72
Heavy-Lift Cargo Glossary 73-89
Subject Index 90-92
Author Index 93-93
