Heavy Haulage of 113-Tonne Engine from Rotterdam to Northamptonshire

Challenge

This 113-tonne engine heavy haulage project required Specialist Logistics Services to transport the engine and ancillary equipment from Rotterdam to Northamptonshire. With overall dimensions of 7.2m (L) x 3m (W) x 4.4m (H), the cargo presented significant challenges in relation to lifting, transport height restrictions and the availability of suitable equipment at both the European and UK ports.

Due to its weight and dimensions, the engine had to be transported as an abnormal load, requiring specialist handling procedures and careful planning to ensure compliance with UK and European road regulations. The project required a meticulously engineered solution that would allow the unit to be lifted safely, reduce the overall transport height and secure the specialist cranes, tractor unit and trailer necessary to handle both the weight and physical dimensions of the cargo.

Extensive planning was undertaken by our project logistics team, including detailed route planning and swept path analysis, to ensure the load could safely navigate road infrastructure and comply with bridge and height restrictions throughout the journey.

Solution

Our team developed a bespoke handling and transport plan tailored specifically to the cargo. A custom lifting frame was designed and attached to the engine to ensure safe and controlled lifting during the loading and discharge operations at both ports.

Once the engine had been positioned onto the trailer, the frame was then removed in order to minimise the overall transport height and ensure compliance with UK and European bridge and road restrictions. The engine was transported using a specialist wafer deck trailer, providing the extremely low deck height required while still accommodating the 113-tonne heavy haulage load.

At the same time, our project team coordinated the sourcing and mobilisation of suitable heavy-lift cranes at Rotterdam port, along with a specialist tractor unit capable of handling the load weight. The movement was carefully scheduled to align with the vessel timetable, while close coordination with port authorities and transport partners ensured all lifting and loading operations were completed safely and efficiently.

As an experienced heavy haulage company, Specialist Logistics Services managed every stage of the operation, from technical planning and equipment sourcing through to final delivery.

Result

Through detailed planning, technical expertise and close coordination with all parties involved, the engine was transported safely and efficiently between the Netherlands and the UK. All lifting operations were completed without incident, and the cargo was delivered on schedule and in perfect condition while maintaining full compliance with abnormal load and transport regulations.

The project demonstrates Specialist Logistics Services’ ability to deliver complex heavy haulage and abnormal load transport solutions, overcoming equipment availability challenges and dimensional constraints through innovative engineering, meticulous planning and specialist logistics expertise. Learn more about our heavy haulage services.