Project Cargo & Heavy Lift Shipping
What is project cargo?
Project cargo refers to large, heavy, high-value, or complex shipments that require specialist planning beyond standard containerised freight. Think power plant components, offshore drilling equipment, industrial machinery, wind turbine blades, or a fleet of construction vehicles. These moves typically combine multiple transport modes, require heavy-lift port equipment, and demand precise sequencing across legs.
Holo Cargo plans and executes project cargo moves end-to-end — one team, one point of accountability, from origin to installation site.
What makes project cargo different
Standard freight fits into standard boxes. Project cargo typically doesn't. The challenges:
- Dimensions exceed container limits — requiring flat-rack, open-top, or breakbulk vessel stowage
- Weight may require heavy-lift cranes at port and specialist road transport (multi-axle trailers, permits)
- Multi-mode — a move might involve road from factory to port, ocean vessel to a transshipment hub, then rail inland, then final road delivery
- Sequencing — components must arrive in the right order for assembly on-site
- Documentation — export licences, special permits, and customs declarations are more complex than standard cargo
Shipping methods for project cargo
Flat-rack containers
Used for oversized cargo that can be contained width/height within the flat-rack footprint. Standard FCL vessel stowage.
| 20FR — 20ft Flat Rack | Max 28,200 kg | 32.7 CBM |
|---|---|
| 40FR — 40ft Flat Rack | Max 28,400 kg | 62.4 CBM |
Open-top containers
For cargo too tall for a standard container roof — loaded by crane from above.
| 20OT — 20ft Open Top | Max 28,100 kg | 32.5 CBM |
|---|---|
| 40OT — 40ft Open Top | Max 28,600 kg | 66.7 CBM |
Breakbulk
Cargo loaded directly onto a vessel without a container — used for items too large or heavy for any container type. Requires specialist multipurpose or breakbulk vessels, heavy-lift port equipment, and often specialist lashing/securing crews.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Wheeled heavy equipment — excavators, cranes, agricultural machinery — that rolls on and off the vessel. Cost-effective for wheeled or self-propelled cargo that can be driven or towed.
Planning a project cargo move
A project cargo move with Holo typically covers:
- Survey — cargo dimensions, weight, centre of gravity, special handling requirements
- Route study — port capabilities, vessel availability, inland route clearances
- Mode selection — container (flat-rack/OT), breakbulk, RoRo, or combination
- Permit and documentation — export licences, port permits, road transport permits
- Execution — coordinated booking, real-time tracking, operator oversight at each handoff
Related services
- Special cargo — reefer, DG, and standard OOG moves
- Multimodal freight — multi-leg coordination for complex routes
- Cargo insurance — project cargo warrants declared replacement value cover