Multimodal Transport of LNG Tanks and Ship Engines
Updated: Oct 9
Two LNG storage tanks measuring approximately 32 metres in length and weighing around 300 tonnes each were part of a much larger industrial shipment coordinated by Eastship Projects & Logistics.
The operation involved seven oversized industrial units, with a combined weight of approximately 1,700 tonnes, transported from the Port of Constanța to Tulcea. Alongside the two tanks, the shipment included five heavy industrial engines, each requiring handling arrangements suited to its weight and dimensions.
The challenge was not limited to moving individual cargo units. It involved coordinating different loading methods at Constanța, integrating the cargo onto a river barge and managing the subsequent discharge operations in Tulcea.
Cargo specifications
Handling oversized project cargo requires meticulous dimensional and weight engineering. The shipment comprised four major industrial components totaling approximately 1700t
2 x Oversized LNG Storage Tanks
Representing the primary volumetric and height challenge of the convoy, these units dictated barge deck arrangement and ramp configurations:
Length: ~32 m
Width: ~15 m
Height: ~14 m
Unit Weight: ~300 t (each)
2 x Heavy Industrial Engines
Requiring dedicated rigging configurations and high-capacity lifting gear:
Engine 1: ~11.3 m (L) × ~5.1 m (W) × ~6.1 m (H) | Weight: ~225 t
Engine 2: ~11.3 m (L) × ~5.1 m (W) × ~6.1 m (H) | Weight: ~225 t
Engine 3: ~11.3 m (L) × ~5.1 m (W) × ~6.1 m (H) | Weight:~225 t
Engine 4: ~11.7 m (L) × ~3.9 m (W) × ~6.4 m (H) | Weight: ~185t
Engine 5: ~11.7 m (L) × ~3.9 m (W) × ~6.4 m (H) | Weight: ~185 t
Integrated heavy-lift handling at the Port of Constanța
Vessel-to-barge transshipment of the industrial engines
At the Port of Constanța, the five heavy industrial engines were transferred directly from the ocean vessel to a river barge.
This vessel-to-barge transshipment operation connected the maritime transport leg with the inland waterway journey, avoiding an intermediate road transport stage for the engines.
Ro/Ro loading of the LNG storage tanks
The two LNG tanks required a different handling approach. Their exceptional dimensions and weight called for specialised transport equipment and a suitable loading configuration.
Using specialised modular axle trailers, the tanks were manoeuvred during Ro/Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) operations and transferred onto the river barge at the Port of Constanța.
The two loading methods allowed all seven cargo units to be consolidated within the same barge transport operation.
Barge transportation through the Danube Delta to Tulcea
Once loading was completed, the barge departed from Constanța and continued towards Tulcea through the Danube Delta on the route to the destination.
For cargo of this scale, inland waterway transportation is a central element of the logistics solution.
Cargo discharge in Tulcea
Discharging the cargo in Tulcea presented a familiar technical challenge: the difference in height between the barge deck and the quay. Having encountered similar conditions in a previous project, our team was able to apply a proven handling solution.
For the two LNG storage tanks, we assembled two layers of modular trailers to create an elevated platform, bringing the cargo to the required quay level and enabling a controlled Ro/Ro discharge. The five industrial engines were handled separately: three were discharged through Ro/Ro operations, while the remaining two were unloaded using harbour cranes.
Previous experience with similar infrastructure constraints allowed Eastship to address the height difference with an established technical approach, adapted to the requirements of this operation.
An integrated heavy-lift project logistics operation
This project brought together vessel-to-barge transshipment, Ro/Ro loading and discharge, specialised modular transport equipment and inland waterway transportation within one coordinated logistics chain.
For industrial equipment manufacturers, EPC contractors and energy-sector companies, cargo of this scale requires close coordination between transport planning, handling infrastructure and port operations.
Eastship Projects & Logistics coordinated the movement of seven industrial units weighing approximately 1,700 tonnes from Constanța to Tulcea, integrating maritime and inland waterway transport to meet the specific requirements of the cargo.
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