Rigging and transshipment of oversize cargo
upending, SPMT moves, foundation set-down
Rigging and transshipment of oversize cargo is the riskiest part of a project move: cargo is damaged more often during handling than in transit. We transship heavy units between vessel, rail and low-bed, upend them to erection position and move them on SPMT and skates to a method statement.
Long units such as columns and reactors are upended with two cranes: the main crane lifts the top while the tailing crane guides the bottom until the unit stands upright. The scheme is calculated around the centre of gravity so the shell takes no bending loads.
Specification
Specification · Rigging and transshipment. Standard terms · method and equipment are confirmed after a site visit
Service
- Operations
- transshipment, upending, moving, set-down
- Locations
- port, rail station, site, workshop
- Options
- survey, operation insurance, storage
Terms
- Preparation
- typically 1–2 weeks before
- Documents
- method statement and condition report included
- Currency
- RUB / USD
Logistics
- Before
- site visit, method statement, equipment
- Operation
- transfer or upending, photos
- After
- set-down, report, handover
Price
- Base
- per operation, per method statement
- Extras
- mats, equipment idle time, storage — at cost
Service flow
- 01
Data and site visit
We study the cargo drawing, the work location and the transport in and out: vessel, wagon, low-bed, storage or foundation. We inspect the site, surface and access.
1–3 days - 02
Method statement
We develop the method statement: transshipment or upending method, equipment, CoG and support-load calculation, sequence and danger zones.
2–5 days - 03
Equipment and preparation
We line up cranes, SPMT, jacks and skates, prepare the rigging and the ground: mats, levelling, travel paths.
2–7 days - 04
Operation
We carry out the transshipment, upending or move under the works manager; the surveyor records cargo condition before and after.
hours to 2 days - 05
Set-down and handover
We set the cargo on the cradle, vehicle or foundation, check its position and sign the report handing it over to the next party in the chain.
on the day
Problems
A long column is upended with a single crane — the shell bends and nozzles and internals get damaged.
We upend with two cranes or an upending frame to calculation, using lifting points agreed with the manufacturer.
The SPMT or low-bed cannot pass through the site: the surface cannot take the load, radii are tight, poles and cables are in the way.
We check the path in advance, calculate surface pressure, lay mats and relocate obstacles if needed.
Cargo is handled twice via storage because onward transport is not ready — extra lifts, storage and risk.
We synchronise transport with cargo arrival and work direct transfer wherever possible.
Documents
Documents for a handling operation. At every mode change the cargo passes from one party to another, so a condition report with photos before and after is the main protection in a damage dispute.
Incoterms
- FAS
- the seller delivers alongside — handling on the quay is on the seller
- FOB
- the seller is responsible until loaded on board
- DPU
- the seller unloads at the destination
Documents
- Cargo drawing
- weight, CoG, support and lifting points
- Method statement
- sequence, equipment, upending scheme
- Rigging certificates
- for spreaders, slings, shackles
- Condition report
- with photos before and after
- Completion certificate
- noting the cargo handover
FAQ
Rigging is lifting, moving and placing heavy equipment: slinging, crane transfers, moving on skates and with winches, bringing units through openings into a workshop, setting on foundations. Work follows a method statement with a centre-of-gravity calculation. We organise rigging as a stand-alone operation or as part of a project move.
An SPMT is a self-propelled modular transporter with steerable axles, assembled from modules to suit the load's weight and size. It moves super-heavy and long modules across terminals and sites where an ordinary low-bed cannot turn, and positions the cargo precisely for erection.
Many units travel in one position and are erected in another: a column travels lying down but stands upright. Long units are upended with two cranes or an upending frame to calculation around the centre of gravity, so the shell and nozzles are not damaged.
Yes, this is direct transshipment: the cargo is lifted off the vessel straight onto the well wagon or low-bed, bypassing storage. It saves a second lift and storage. The wagon or trailer and haulage permits must be ready when the vessel arrives.
The load is raised with hydraulic jacks, set on skates or skid tracks and moved with winches or hydraulic pushers (skidding). This is how equipment is brought into workshops and placed on foundations in tight spaces. Floor and slab loads are checked in advance.
Yes, within the limits set by the contract for the operation. Work follows a method statement under a works manager and surveyor, and cargo condition is photographed before and after. Insurance of the operation itself is arranged on request.