Cable Drum Logistics Norway to Scotland.
Project Cargo Transportation Delivered with Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability.

KC Group Shipping recently undertook a complex project to transport an oversized cable drum from Havik, Norway, to the central belt of Scotland. The cable drum, weighing over 7 tons and measuring 3.5 meters in diameter, was destined for a training facility where apprentices would use it to hone their skills before the opening of a new site. This intricate project required meticulous planning, cargo knowledge and specialised equipment to succeed.

Comprehensive Project Cargo Planning and Logistics Knowledge

Handling cargo of this size demands precision and expertise, as even minor wrong decision-making can result in significant delays, safety risks, or damage to the shipment. Navigating height restrictions, ensuring proper load stability, and coordinating specialised equipment are just a few of the challenges that require careful planning and execution.

We identified and decided with the client, that the ferry service between Haugesund Port, Norway and Port of Aberdeen as the most efficient and sustainable solution for cargo of this magnitude. The KC Group Shipping team coordinated strategic meetings with our trusted local agent and the shipper to address the logistical challenges. We sourced a specialised mobile crane to lift the cable drum safely onto a low loader. We chose the low loader specifically to maintain compliance with road height restrictions, ensuring a seamless and legal transit. The ferry service was chosen above a road routing due to affordability and the ever increasing priority to transport sustainably. Our approach reduced the carbon emission output by around 20% compared to other routings considered at the planning stage.

The cable drum was successfully loaded and transported from Havik to the Port of Haugesund. Our team considered and coordinated every project detail, from route planning to equipment selection, to guarantee an efficient and compliant operation.

Streamlined Customs and Transparent Documentation

Customs clearance is a critical step in international logistics, and our proactive approach ensures compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. By leveraging extensive industry experience and maintaining effective relationships with customs authorities, we streamline complex processes, minimise delays, and provide our customers with confidence through transparent communication and documentation.

We arranged for the goods to be customs-cleared in Norway for this particular consignment and provided a EUR1 document certifying the cable drum’s Norwegian origin which can be vital for an importer to classify goods legitimately for preferential origin. Additionally, we arranged for the goods customs clearance on arrival via a pre-lodged CDS entry to allow us to focus on the transportation to site requirements swiftly. Our robust customs documentation measures streamlined the process.

Innovative Solutions for Complex Port Operations

Effective port-side management and operations are essential to coordinating oversized cargo. Working closely with port authorities, we loaded the cable drum onto an MAFI (roll trailer steel platform on wheels ideal for oversized cargo), ensuring the drum was securely strapped and towed onto the vessel for the Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) journey.
As MAFIs are port-specific, KC Group Shipping worked closely with the ferry company to arrange precise cargo collection timings from a designated Aberdeen storage area. This proactive communication prevented unnecessary costs and ensured compliance with freetime protocols.

Seamless Delivery to a Challenging Destination

As part of our logistics planning, we arranged for a specialised low loader to transport the cable drum to its final destination upon arrival at the Port of Aberdeen. However, the delivery site unfortunately presented additional complexities. Due to forklift limitations on site at the time of delivery (On site forklift only had a 7 ton capacity), we quickly sourced a more powerful specialised 18 ton forklift to accompany the delivery vehicle to the site and complete the task.

The team scheduled a pre-delivery visit to the warehouse to gather essential measurements and assess potential challenges. We shared our detailed photographs and measurements with the forklift operator to ensure flawless execution. Despite tight warehouse entrances and height restrictions, the team’s expertise and preparation guaranteed a safe and successful consignment delivery.

The delivery day ran like clockwork. A KC Group Shipping representative oversaw the offloading process to ensure everything matched our planning and robust safety measures. Within just 20 minutes, the cable drum was safely positioned inside the warehouse, ready for the apprentice training. Collaboration and transparency are pivotal in our relationships with customers, who appreciate our attention to detail. The KC team ensured this customer’s particular operational needs were met without delay, mitigating any potential issues.

Why Choose KC Group Shipping?

Our ability to handle complex, oversized cargo shipments with efficiency and care makes us a trusted choice for clients. From meticulous planning and sustainable transport solutions to transparent reporting and effective collaboration, the KC Group Shipping team consistently delivers excellence. Our commitment to overcoming logistical challenges and tailoring solutions to our customers’ unique needs sets us apart in the industry.

If you have a project cargo shipment that would benefit from our expertise, contact us to learn more about our tailored logistics solutions.