Source: Höegh Autoliners

When Om Freight Forwarders needed to urgently deliver 240 breakbulk units for an infrastructure project in Tema, Ghana they turned to Höegh Autoliners for its reliable liner service and quality cargo operations.

The large shipment consisted of steel structures which will be used in the Akosombo Rail Project in Ghana. The 97 kilometre railway stretches from Tema to Mpakadan. The project includes the construction of six passenger stations and a freight terminal in the Tema Port, which will help facilitate the transportation of goods inland. Developed to also improve transportation for passengers, it aims to accelerate the country’s socio-economic growth.

Short transit time and regular, frequent service

Transporting 240 static pieces across the globe to meet a tight project deadline is no easy task, however with good planning, a reliable liner service and dependable equipment Höegh’s team in India came to the rescue. 

Capt. Atuldutt Sharma, Breakbulk Sales Manager says: “With our direct bi-monthly service from Mumbai to Tema and experienced cargo planning team, we could offer the most competitive solution in terms of frequency and transit time to ensure Om Freight Forwarders meet their deadline.”

Expert planning and dependable equipment

Transporting structures of various shapes, sizes and weight requires experienced personnel and flexible cargo handling equipment. The cargo planning team were involved in the pre-shipment phase, studying the packing and dimensions of the breakbulk units to find the most suitable equipment and optimal cargo utilisation on board the vessel.

The cargo handling team presented an optimal solution whereby placing the units on to 41 rolltrailers and splitting the shipment onto two separate vessels. To ensure the steel structures did not move during transportation, they were secured on to the rolltrailer using lashings. Höegh Autoliners uses rolltrailers to transport non-rolling cargo. This method ensures a safer operation as no high-lifting is involved, as the cargo is rolled on and off the vessel.

Customer satisfaction

Last year, Höegh safely and efficiently transported equipment and track laying machines for Om Freight Forwarder which was used in the development of the rail network from Tema to Akosomba.

With the last units safely discharged in Tema, Vishal Joshi, GM Projects, Om Freight Forwarders mentioned that ” Höegh Autoliners has come through again. Thanks to its experienced cargo handling team and direct liner service we were able to meet our project deadline and ensure the safe delivery of steel structures for this important infrastructure project in Tema.”