deugro Abu Dhabi has successfully executed a complex multimodal logistics operation involving the transport of six oversized deaerator vessels for the Wave C1 Project, moving the heavy units from Ras Al Khaimah to Mirfa in Abu Dhabi. The project highlights the growing role of specialised project logistics in supporting large-scale industrial and infrastructure developments across the UAE.
Each deaerator vessel weighed 158 metric tonnes and measured 36.6 metres in length, 6.4 metres in width and 7.0 metres in height, classifying the cargo as heavy-lift, oversized and high-value equipment requiring precision handling. The contract for transport engineering and execution support was awarded under the project framework of Orascom Metito Joint Venture, with deugro collaborating closely with dteq Transport Engineering Solutions to manage the end-to-end movement.
The logistics scope covered multiple transport modes and technical interfaces, beginning with cargo collection from the supplier’s facility in Ras Al Khaimah. From there, the vessels were moved via road to the RMC jetty, followed by marine shipment to the MBK ICAD jetty in Abu Dhabi and final overland delivery to the designated laydown area at the Mirfa project site.
According to deugro, the size, weight and sensitivity of the equipment demanded meticulous route planning, structural assessments and risk mitigation measures at every stage of the journey. “Due to the cargo’s size, weight and sensitive nature, its safe, efficient and timely transport across all critical intersections and transloading operations required sophisticated project management and transport engineering as well as meticulous planning and preparation down to the centimetre,” said Ilyas Abdulla, Head of Business Development and Sales at deugro Abu Dhabi.
For the initial leg, the vessels were lifted using a gantry crane onto two 12-axle hydraulic line trailers arranged by deugro. After securing the cargo in accordance with detailed method statements prepared by dteq, the convoy travelled along a controlled 600-metre internal route to the RMC jetty at a speed of approximately 5 km/h. Traffic management coordination and the acquisition of all necessary road and port permits formed a critical part of the pre-movement planning.
At the jetty, pairs of vessels were transferred using roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) techniques onto self-propelled deck barges. Cargo positioning followed precise load plans to maintain stability and balance. deugro’s project coordinator and dteq’s on-site engineer jointly supervised the loading, seafastening and securing operations, ensuring compliance with engineering calculations and marine transport safety standards.
Operational complexity was heightened by spatial constraints. “The key challenge was the coordination of the operations at a small, congested port alongside a busy vendor yard. Timely loading, the transport to the berth and RO/RO vessel operations required precise planning. To secure early berthing and ensure accurate cargo drafts to avoid delays, we had to actively engage port authorities,” explained Clerin Basil, Project Coordinator at deugro UAE.
The marine leg covered a voyage of approximately 139 nautical miles from Ras Al Khaimah to the MBK ICAD jetty, supported by two tugboats to ensure navigational control and safety. Upon arrival, the cargo was received by the combined deugro and dteq teams, who then executed the final 132-kilometre road movement to the Mirfa site under controlled convoy conditions.
dteq’s engineering involvement extended beyond route studies. The team conducted comprehensive route surveys and turning simulations to address manoeuvring constraints along the inland route. “The project’s engineering scope incorporated a comprehensive route survey, including turning simulations to address complex manoeuvring challenges based on the transport configuration plan developed by dteq,” said Harsh Jassal, Transport Engineer at dteq.
Marine engineering considerations were equally critical. Identifying a suitable RO/RO vessel and selecting an appropriate discharge jetty within ICAD required analysis of vessel draft, berth water depth, jetty elevation and tidal variations. Mooring arrangements, structural vessel stability and ballast calculations were carried out to maintain safe loading conditions. For the sea voyage, cargo securing systems were designed to withstand dynamic marine forces. Lashing chains were used to control longitudinal sliding and uplift forces, while mechanical stoppers prevented transverse movement. All engineering drawings and calculations adhered to internationally recognised standards, including DNV, IMO and DIN-EN codes, reinforcing compliance and safety assurance.
deugro confirmed that the entire multimodal operation was completed in line with the project schedule and within budget parameters. “This milestone underscores deugro’s demonstrated excellence in managing oversized and critical cargo, consistently upholding the highest standards of precision, safety and operational reliability. Once again, project logistics is in our DNA,” said Ahmed Osman, Country Representative Egypt – Global Business Development Team at deugro UAE.
The project reflects the increasing demand for integrated heavy-lift and project logistics solutions in the Middle East, where energy, water and industrial infrastructure developments rely heavily on the safe movement of engineered, high-value equipment across multimodal corridors.