Fractionator Transport – Integrated Refinery Logistics Project
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Transporting a 400-ton refinery component over 210 kilometres is already a complex engineering task. Reaching its final destination proved even more demanding.
As part of a larger refinery development project, Eastship Projects & Logistics managed the complete logistics scope for the transportation and final positioning of the fractionator—the largest component within a series of oversized process equipment deliveries.
From transport engineering and route preparation to the development of a bespoke on-site delivery solution, the project combined heavy haul transportation with specialised engineering to overcome challenges both on the road and inside the refinery.
Scope of Work
Route surveys and transport planning
Permit management and authority coordination
Temporary road infrastructure modifications
Escort coordination
Heavy transport execution
Development of the technical solution for final refinery access
On site logistics
With an overall transport weight approaching
400 tonnes,
the convoy required a purpose-engineered transport configuration capable of safely distributing axle loads while maintaining manoeuvrability along the entire route.
Convoy configuration
14- and 16-axle modular trailers with turntables, pulled by two 8×4 MAN tractor units.
Convoy Length 84.7 m
Convoy Width 4.8 m
Convoy Height 4.4 m
Transport Engineering
The project involved the transportation of several oversized refinery components, each requiring a dedicated transport solution based on its dimensions, weight and destination within the refinery.
The fractionator and the stripper travelled approximately 210 kilometres, while the remaining process equipment was transported over a 95-kilometre route.
Each movement required detailed route surveys, transport simulations and engineering assessments covering bridge capacities, pavement strength, turning radii, overhead clearances and temporary infrastructure modifications.
One of the most technically demanding sections required the convoy to span two parallel bridge structures simultaneously. Rather than crossing a single bridge, the transport configuration was engineered to distribute the load across both structures, allowing the convoy to safely negotiate one of the route's critical constraints.
Eastship also coordinated all permits, authority approvals, escort services and temporary route modifications required for the project.
The Final Challenge
Reaching the refinery did not mark the end of the operation.
The designated installation area was located beyond a permanent structure providing only 4.5 metres of clearance, making it impossible for the convoy to continue using the transport configuration.
Instead of modifying the refinery infrastructure, Eastship engineered a bespoke access solution.
After arriving on site, the fractionator was lifted from the modular trailers using hydraulic jacks, transferred onto specially installed temporary rails and carefully pulled beneath the overhead obstacle using a controlled skidding system before being positioned at its final destination.
This operation transformed what would normally be considered a transport project into a complete heavy engineering assignment.
A Project Beyond a Single Transport
Although the fractionator was the largest component, it represented only one part of a broader refinery logistics programme involving multiple oversized process units.
Managing several heavy transports under a single logistics scope required coordinated engineering, transport planning and execution, ensuring every shipment arrived safely and in accordance with the project's construction schedule.
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