Multi-state and multi-modal transport from Mammoet

International heavy lift and transport specialist Mammoet has announced the successful completion of the multi-modal transport of a process vessel across three states – from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Robinson, Illinois, USA.

Mammoet was tasked by the client to provide logistical coordination, customise transport equipment where necessary, transfer the load to different transport modes, secure all necessary permits, and coordinate with local governments and authorities.

Mammoet used a 24-axle dolly system with tailor-made saddles to support the vessel. The trailer with the vessel measured 300 ft. long, 25 ft. wide and weighed over 800,000 lbs. The first 52 kilometres (32 miles) of the journey began at the process vessel’s fabrication site in Oklahoma. This stage included a number of challenges, including 45-degree turns and steep hills which required three prime movers. At the Port of Catoosa, the vessel was loaded onto a barge, which sailed 1,522 kilometres (946 miles) to Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Due to the swift current, a spud barge was needed to keep the barge in place so that the vessel could be safely rolled off. Back on the road, the vessel was transported 251 kilometres (156 miles) to its final destination in Illinois. The crossing of a parking lot of a courthouse in a small town required 60 mats to ensure the property would not be damaged. Several tight turns required signs and poles to be removed. Mats were laid to allow travel over ditches, unpaved ground and through the edge of a cornfield. The last obstacle was a 100 ft. bridge on which Mammoet had to lay steel mats from piling to piling to create a temporary bridge to cross.

“Mammoet’s early involvement allowed plenty of time to mitigate risks, have all permits in place and coordinate with 50 different utility companies, and a dozen federal, state and local agencies,” said John Rowe, Mammoet USA South Inc. sales manager. “After six months of planning and coordinating, we were able to meet the needs of our customer by safely delivering the vessel to its final location in four weeks.”