Signalling that trend, Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) recently moved 30 transformers from Munda Port in India to Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, with each unit weighing more than 140 tonnes.
The movement was a complex operation, given the oversized nature of the cargo and the specialized handling it needed for loading onto a container vessel.
“The transportation of the transformers is a delicate and complicated operation,” the Geneva-based carrier said.
Hydropower plan
According to MSC, the project equipment is critical to Tanzania’s ambitious plans to develop five hydropower plan projects to deal with acute power shortages and propel industrial activity in the country.
Paskal Madede, sales manager at MSC Tanzania, highlighted the operational experience, noting the critical nature of handling such equipment, singling out the port crane significance of port crane weight limits, meticulous safety measures, and careful gear selection to ensure equipment security during transit.
Boosted by MSC’s transshipment loads, AICTPL saw a new monthly throughput high in November, racking up 300,451 TEUs. This was also reportedly the highest-ever monthly volume handled by any terminal in India.
Challenges
With muted demand, major carriers out of Indian trades are facing significant vessel capacity utilization challenges. However, recent export trade gains present some hopeful signs for supply chain stakeholders as they explore other heavy or project cargo opportunities.
The export growth of 6.21% during October in merchandise exports is a good sign as the gain came despite weak demand and moderation in commodity prices, which had spiked last year after the Ukraine war.
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Source : Container news
