deugro Oman, in cooperation with deugro UAE, has delivered a 28.20 x 6.5 x 7.0-meter well fluid slug catcher, weighing 254 metric tons, from Nizwa, Oman to Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

To ensure the safe and on-time movement of the oversized and heavy lift slug catcher, deugro said it arranged for a route survey; detailed transport, stability, lashing and lifting plans; and regular technical meetings with the client and dteq Transport Engineering Solutions (dteq).

The cargo pick-up location was in Nizwa in southeastern Oman.

"The biggest challenge was the pre-carriage from the cargo pick-up location in the Nizwa Industrial Estate to the Port of Duqm, Oman. Due to the cargo's dimensions and weight, the identification of the best-suited route and any potential obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads, road crossings and overhead signboards was vital to ensure safe and on-time delivery," said Deepak Fernandes, transport engineer, dteq Transport Engineering Solutions, UAE.

The slug catcher was received and secured on a multi-axle hydraulic trailer according to dteq's securing arrangement. A site survey was also conducted in cooperation with dteq beforehand to discuss the procedures with the heavy hauler and the client.

Once the trailer, prime mover and securing were inspected, the trailer started its 700-kilometre journey to the Port of Duqm, Oman.

"High wind speeds and sandstorms between Nizwa, Ghaba, Qarn Alam, Haima and Duqm along the route meant great caution was essential to ensure the safety of the workers and the cargo. Therefore, during the journey, we provided daily status updates for all parties involved," said Shaheen Sherif, operations manager, deugro Muscat.

After five days, the slug catcher arrived at the Port of Duqm, where it was loaded by the heavy lift vessel's own cranes and under the personal supervision of the local deugro team.

Once the slug catcher was stowed and securely lashed in accordance with the method statements prepared by dteq, the vessel set sail to Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi, UAE, where it was unloaded directly onto SPMTs under the personal supervision of deugro UAE—ready for on-carriage to its final destination.