Record-Breaking Transportation in Kazakhstan

The capabilities of Mammoet’s heavy lifting and haulage equipment and its ability to draw on the support of global resources enabled Mammoet to transport the items using the most cost-effective method, despite the challenging terrain of the vast and complex route.

Extensive preparations began six months in advance of the abnormal load transportation, which would move the OOG items from Bautino port to a steel plant in Temirtau. Mammoet liaised with various local authorities to plan the most efficient route. As well as the need to survey the route and complete the engineering calculations necessary to negotiate overhead obstacles and large structures like roundabouts, over 100 bridges required inspection.

The super heavy transport included items weighing up to 150t and a few bridges were found to be unsuitable for use. Where possible, bridges were reinforced but some needed to be avoided completely and Mammoet ensured the most cost-effective methods were utilized, building temporary side roads to bypass structures.

Mammoet’s scope began at the port, where they used a 750t capacity crawler crane alongside two others to unload the items from several vessels onto waiting trailers. Drawing on their extensive equipment fleet, up to 26 axle lines of SPT were used to transport each OOG item and Mammoet was able to reduce costs by performing the transportation in a single convoy.

The in-depth planning ensured the route could be negotiated in the most effective way possible. Mammoet’s specialist heavy haulage transport equipment enabled it to overcome the demanding roads on the route, which included gradients of up to 14%. The vastness of the route meant it covered both rural and urban areas so to minimize disruption Mammoet planned the urban sections of the journey to take place overnight.

Mammoet’s experience of long-term abnormal load transportation projects in a variety of climates enabled it to suitably prepare for the severe weather during the operation. Temperatures dropped to -30°, creating icy road conditions. Safety always remained at the core of the project, so conditions were monitored, and transportation was slowed down if required. To overcome the heavy snowfall and ice, Mammoet brought in specialist vehicles to clear the snow and applied substances to de-ice the roads.

This huge and challenging transportation of OOG items was completed over 75 days. The expertise of Mammoet’s team was proven in the detailed planning and preparations for the move, as well as in the execution, as the team continued to battle sub-zero temperatures to complete the record-breaking heavy haulage transportation.