Deugro delivers 1,441-tonne INEOS cargo from Oman to Belgium in 38-day voyage
The units were transported by SPMTs and hydraulic trailers at night at low speed, considering size, weight, and local restrictions.
OMAN – Deugro Belgium, Deugro Netherlands, and Deugro Oman, in partnership with dteq Transport Engineering Solutions, have delivered over 7,324 cubic metres and more than 1,441 metric tonnes of critical equipment from Oman to Belgium for the INEOS Terminal Expansion project.
For investors in fresh produce and food logistics, this complex, heavy-lift operation demonstrates Oman’s growing capability as a strategic logistics hub for oversized cargo handling.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
The cargo consisted of oversized and heavy lift units weighing over 200 metric tonnes each, including ethylene vessel skids, refrigerant chiller skids, and refrigerant compressor skids.
During inspection at the manufacturer’s premises in the Sohar Industrial Estate, dteq observed that several units were positioned too close to obstacles, preventing self-loading for road transportation.
This required double handling: loading to a temporary transport solution, moving to a space with sufficient maneuvering room, then reloading once approved for road movement.
The units were transported by SPMTs and hydraulic trailers at night at low speed, considering size, weight, and local restrictions. The route was assessed prior to movement to ensure a safe journey. Deugro’s local teams and escort vehicles, alongside Royal Oman Police, guarded the transport on public roads.
Lifting Innovation for Safety
Senior Naval Architect at dteq, Giovanni Nigro, said: “Working at a height of 12 metres with a shackle and pin weighing over 100 kilograms becomes challenging and dangerous. We requested approval to use lower and lighter shackles to ensure safer lifting operations.”
Since lifting lugs could not be modified, dteq arranged the design, manufacture, and procurement of tailored spacer rings and sleeves for each cargo unit, enabling safe use of 120-metric-ton shackles instead of 300-metric-ton shackles.
Successful Delivery and Strategic Significance
After a 38-day ocean voyage via the Cape of Good Hope, the vessel arrived at the Port of Antwerp. Deugro Antwerp secured two RO/RO flat-top pontoons positioned beside the vessel for discharge.
Project Manager at Deugro Antwerp, Joost Maranus, said: “Meticulous planning and preparation, combined with close and clockwork-like operational collaboration and communication between all partners, made this project a success.”
Strategic Value for Fresh Produce Infrastructure
For fresh produce investors, this operation highlights Oman’s ability to handle complex cargo movements, which are essential for building cold chain infrastructure.
As regional demand for perishable handling capacity grows, Oman’s proven track record in complex cargo logistics positions it as a strategic partner in developing fresh produce infrastructure.
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