
This project details the precise engineering and logistical planning required to transport a massive 90 Metric Ton Steel Coil Drum with cable. Moving a cargo with a 6-meter diameter from Abu Dhabi to Dubai Petroleum (inside Jafza) required navigating inter-emirate highways, overcoming adverse weather conditions, and clearing critical overhead obstacles.
Why does moving a 6-meter diameter Steel Coil Drum demand expertise?
Transporting cylindrical heavy cargo like a Steel Coil Drum presents unique challenges regarding the Center of Gravity (CoG) and load security. Unlike flat-bottomed static cargo, a drum requires specialized stabilization to prevent rolling. Furthermore, a diameter of 6,000mm (6 meters) creates significant height clearance issues, making standard routes impossible due to bridges and high-voltage power lines.
| Asset Type | Industry Destination | Gross Weight | Diameter |
| Steel Coil Drum (with Cable) | Energy / Oil & Gas (Dubai Petroleum) | 90 Metric Tons | 6,000 mm (6.0 m) |
Key Project Dimensions
What specialized equipment ensured safe transport under high-voltage lines?
To manage the extreme height of the 6-meter drum and the weight of 90 MT, standard low-bed trailers were insufficient. The primary risk was striking overhead infrastructure.
We deployed a Drop Deck Hydraulic Trailer. This equipment was critical because its deck height is significantly lower than standard trailers, allowing the cargo to pass underneath low-clearance bridges and the four major high-voltage power lines identified during our route survey.
Key operational solutions that we provided:
How frequently is Heavy Project Cargo moved to Jafza?
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is the logistics heartbeat of the Middle East. As home to major players like Dubai Petroleum, the movement of heavy machinery, turbines, and cable drums is a frequent necessity.
However, moving Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC) from Abu Dhabi to Jafza involves crossing emirate borders, which requires specific permits and adherence to strict highway safety regulations.
UAE Energy Logistics Drivers:
UAE Energy Logistics Drivers:
The success of this project was defined by our ability to adapt to environmental factors and strict vertical clearance limits.
| Key Metric | Complexity of this Project | How Our Team Helped |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Clearance | 4 Major High-Voltage Lines | utilized Drop Deck Hydraulic Trailers to lower total height. |
| Cargo Stability | Cylindrical Shape (Rolling Risk) | Custom cradle engineering locked the 90MT load in place. |
| Offshore Continuity | Critical component for Jackup Barge Operations | Seamless delivery enabled continued offshore readiness |
| Route Distance | 118 km Inter-Emirate Transit | Seamless coordination between Abu Dhabi and Dubai permitting authorities. |
This successful delivery to Dubai Petroleum highlights Three Lines Shipping’s ability to handle high-stakes logistics under pressure. With over 20 years of specialized experience in heavy lift and project logistics, we ensure that complex cargo, regardless of shape, weight, or weather conditions, arrives safely.
Frequently Asked Questions on ODC Logistics
A Drop Deck trailer sits much closer to the ground than a flatbed. When transporting a drum with a 6-meter diameter, every centimeter counts. This trailer type reduces the overall height of the loaded truck, allowing it to pass under bridges and power lines that would otherwise block the route.
We use a “cradle.” This is a structural base that matches the curvature of the drum. The drum sits inside the cradle, converting it from a rolling cylinder into a stable, flat-bottomed load that can be lashed securely to the trailer deck.
Mud reduces traction, which can be dangerous for a 90MT load. It increases the risk of the trailer sliding or sinking. Our hydraulic trailers allow us to adjust the load balance and tire pressure, and our drivers are specifically trained for low-traction maneuvering to mitigate this risk.