UTC’s Heavy Equipment Division recently orchestrated the transport of 81 Sennebogen material handling cranes from Bremerhaven, Germany, to Charleston, South Carolina, USA. This ambitious operation aboard the chartered RoRo vessel, Leo Leader, sets a new standard for complexity and scale.

The delivery also marks the culmination of an 18-year partnership between UTC and Sennebogen.

The right strategy

To meet the needs of this massive undertaking, UTC devised a chartering strategy that ensured the safe and cost-effective transportation of such a large volume of equipment. Securing such a large dedicated space was an achievement within itself due to the fact that the industry is experiencing record movement of cranes and agricultural equipment.

The sheer size and weight of the shipment demanded meticulous planning and coordination to ensure safe loading and transport. Multiple strategically positioned dockside staging areas were established to facilitate a smooth, one-day loading process.

Approximately 10,000 freight tons of machinery required precise loading to ensure each piece could be driven onto the vessel and subsequently driven off at its final destination with optimal efficiency.

Permitting hurdles

Over 80 trucks transported the equipment to the port. This seemingly straightforward task required extensive planning due to the complexities of obtaining permits and setting up designated staging areas. Fortunately, UTC’s Bremen office’s longstanding relationships with local truckers and port authorities, allowed them to navigate the permit process swiftly.

Patrik Meyer, UTC Manager – Heavy Equipment Development, who was on-site and directing the operation, said, “The loading process presented unique challenges, with every piece of machinery requiring specific positioning on the vessel. UTC has moved volumes of Sennebogen machines over the years and was familiar with each model, aiding in the proper placement of the valuable cargo. Blueprints were sent ahead of time, allowing for exact planning to ensure each unit could manoeuvre moving on and off the vessel, always considering the safety of the crew and equipment.”

En route adversity

The Leo Leader encountered unforeseen delays due to a storm and two hurricanes en route, highlighting the inherent complexities of managing large-scale transportation amidst unpredictable weather patterns. Additionally, a late change in the cargo’s final destination after paperwork completion necessitated a swift revision of customs documentation for all 81 pieces of equipment.

Understanding the importance of smooth port operations, UTC’s team scoped out the port of Charleston before the vessel’s arrival

The Sennebogen cargo, consisting of 79 assembled units, two unassembled units, and static cargo, was efficiently unloaded within the specified timeframe.

Hans Meyer, UTC COO Heavy Equipment and Specialized Cargo, added, “The successful RoRo charter of the Leo Leader stands as a testament to the expertise and dedication of UTC in tackling challenging logistical operations. The six-month planning process, attention to detail, and longstanding partnership with Sennebogen, the shipping lines, and the port all played pivotal roles in the operation’s success.”