TKM Global skilfully handles challenging project cargo movement for Tata Steel
TKM Global, a leading logistics solutions provider, has once again demonstrated its expertise in handling challenging project cargo with the successful transportation of an oversized ball mill shell unit for Tata Steel.
The cargo, measuring 12.8 m x 6.75 m x 6.85 m and weighing 118 metric tons, was moved across India, covering 2,168 km, via a multimodal transport solution, overcoming significant logistical and infrastructural challenges.
An engineering feat in logistics: The intricate operation involved moving the massive cargo from the manufacturer’s facility in Trichy to VOC Port, Tuticorin by road, followed by ocean transport from Tuticorin to Paradip on India’s east coast, and concluding with a final road leg to Tata Steel’s plant in Jamshedpur.
Each stage of the transport required meticulous planning, risk assessment and coordination with multiple agencies to ensure smooth execution. Overcoming logistical constraints, TKM successfully navigated a series of complex challenges throughout the transport process.
Navigating infrastructure barriers: Several road diversions were necessary to bypass low-clearance railway bridges and road overpasses. In multiple instances, temporary roads had to be constructed to support the enormous weight and dimensions of the cargo. The uncertain weather conditions, with heavy rain, threw up an immense challenge specifically to the temporary road construction to create a bypass under bridges.
Power lines and railway crossings: Given the height of the unit, TKM Global coordinated with authorities to temporarily cut high-tension power lines and railway electrification lines to facilitate safe passage over critical crossings.
Load-bearing considerations: The sheer weight of the ball mill coupled with its huge dimensions and specifically the cargo height of 6.85 metres, exceeding a height of 8 metres on top of the trailer bed, was equivalent to a 3-storied building. This required specialised transport equipment, including multi-axle hydraulic trailers, to distribute the load evenly, manage the cargo’s centre of gravity during turns and while driving on uneven roads, and prevent infrastructure and cargo damage.
Ensuring safety and compliance: Safety remained paramount throughout the project. TKM Global employed a dedicated safety and escort team with a well laid out standard operating process, real-time tracking, and strict adherence to regulatory approvals to ensure both cargo integrity and public safety.
Commitment to excellence and innovation
Speaking about the project, Mr Manish Agarwal, TKM Global’s Country Head for India, said: “This project underscores our ability to manage highly specialised cargo movements with precision and efficiency. From planning to execution, our team overcame every obstacle, ensuring seamless delivery to Tata Steel’s plant. It reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, reliability and customer satisfaction. Managing such a movement in Indian road conditions requires more than just operational excellence. Managing local environment and communities through which the cargo passes is equally important. During the entire execution period, we maintained absolute transparency in communication with our customers.
“I advise the team that if there is bad news, it must be immediately communicated to the customer; good news could wait!”
The successful completion of this project not only highlights TKM Global’s expertise in handling oversized and heavy cargo but also reinforces its position as a trusted logistics partner for complex industrial projects. TKM Global collaborated with its trusted transport partner DARCL Logistics, one of India´s largest road transport players, to execute the movement.
TKM sincerely thanked Tata Steel for their trust in its delivery capabilities. This collaboration is a strong testament to the two companies’ partnership approach, where TKM seamlessly operates as an extended logistics arm of the steel company, ensuring efficiency and reliability at every step.
About TKM Global
TKM Global is a leading logistics solutions provider specialising in end-to-end supply chain management, project cargo handling and multimodal transportation services. With a strong presence across global markets, TKM Global delivers customised logistics solutions for industries ranging from steel and heavy engineering to electronics, automotive energy and infrastructure, as per a release.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, March 24