Large Projects Shipping

What Is Large Projects Shipping?

Large Projects Shipping—often referred to as project cargo—involves the transportation of oversized or heavy equipment that cannot be broken down into smaller units for shipping. These can include structural parts, machinery, or entire systems used in industries such as energy, construction, defense, or manufacturing.

Due to the massive dimensions and technical challenges, moving these components safely demands extensive planning, route analysis, and the use of non-standard transport equipment.

Common Examples of Large Project Cargo

• Wind turbines for renewable energy projects

• Large steel tanks and structural frames

• Rockets and aerospace components

• Military tanks, aircraft, and armored vehicles

• Prefabricated homes and modular buildings

• Bridge sections and tunnel boring machines

• Large tractors and agricultural equipment

• Oil and gas processing systems in disassembled form

How Are Large Projects Shipped?

Given the complexity, most large project cargo is shipped using land or maritime transport, depending on the nature and destination of the equipment. These methods allow the use of heavy-duty carriers that can accommodate wide, tall, or overweight cargo.

Land Freight for Large Projects

Land freight is often used for local or cross-border transportation, especially within the GCC. Several specialized trailer types are used to move large components safely:

• Flatbed Trailers: Ideal for machinery and components that don’t fit in enclosed spaces

• Lowboy Trailers: Suitable for very tall or heavy items

• Extendable Trailers: For items that exceed standard trailer lengths

• Hydraulic and Modular Trailers: Provide balance and support for uneven or massive cargo

• SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporters): Often used at ports or project sites

Land transport is commonly used to move project cargo from ports to inland sites or between nearby countries.

Maritime Freight for Large Projects

For international or intercontinental movement, ocean freight is the preferred option. While some smaller parts can fit into open-top or flat-rack containers, most oversized items require:

• Breakbulk shipping: Cargo is loaded individually onto ships rather than in containers

• Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off): Cargo is rolled or driven onto the vessel

• Heavy lift vessels: Equipped with onboard cranes to load/unload oversized items

Maritime shipping ensures cost-efficiency and can accommodate extremely large and heavy parts.

Key Factors in Large Project Shipping

Budget Planning

Project cargo shipping is significantly more expensive than standard freight due to:

• Special handling equipment

• Customized trailers or vessels

• Permit costs

• Route planning and safety escort services

• Higher fuel consumption and labor

Customs duties and taxes must also be accounted for, as project cargo often involves multiple countries and extensive documentation.

Expert Consultation

Partnering with experienced logistics professionals is essential. At Al-Arjwana, our project cargo specialists:

• Assist in budgeting and cost forecasting

• Provide guidance on required permits and customs documents

• Plan the best route based on size, restrictions, and transport feasibility

• Advise on whether land or maritime transport is more suitable

This step ensures that no hidden costs or regulatory barriers disrupt your shipping schedule.

Risk Mitigation and Emergency Planning

Unexpected issues—such as weather delays, equipment failure, or route restrictions—can impact your shipping timeline. That’s why Al-Arjwana develops emergency backup plans, helping you stay on track and avoid losses.

Contingency planning ensures business continuity and reduces the risk of project disruption.

Execution and On-Ground Support

After planning is complete, our operations team manages the loading, handling, and real-time monitoring of your shipment. We coordinate every step—from origin to delivery—while ensuring compliance with international safety and transport regulations.

Our in-house and partner network includes crane operators, transport specialists, and customs agents, ensuring seamless execution.

Why Choose Al-Arjwana for Large Project Shipping?

• Extensive experience handling oversized and high-value equipment

• Access to specialized trailers, vessels, and heavy machinery

• Pre-shipping engineering, risk assessments, and route surveys

• Strong relationships with port and customs authorities across the GCC

• 24/7 operational support and project management

• Global reach with door-to-site delivery

• Secure transport, tracking, and full liability coverage upon request