A unique mission has recently been handled successfully by Ghanaian heavy haulage specialist MONPE Heavy Haulage. Six power engines had to be transported from Ghana port to Niger over a total distance of about 1,285 kilometers. This impressive mission was a real challenge in planning and execution.
“Special transports are our daily business, but this mission was really exceptional within the exceptional. It’s a prestigious project and sets a benchmark”, declares Peter Everett from MONPE Heavy Haulage in hindsight. The specificities of this non-typical project required a detailed plan and powerful tools. Two 10-axle combinations type twin tyre ModulMAX with gooseneck were chosen to transport two engines at a time. As they were six of them in total, the complete job was handled successfully three times.
Peter Everett trusts in Faymonville support and knowledge for these jobs. “Their load simulation software allows to determine the best positioning of the cargo for ideal load distribution. And the technical set-up of the twin tyre modular axle lines is as made for this kind of task.” The complete turnkey organization of the project was handled by major logistics player DB Schenker, who trusted in MONPE for the on-road transport from the port to the job site.
The transports started at the major Ghanaian seaports (Tema and Takoradi), where the engines arrived by ship coming from CAT Germany. Every item had a weight of 219 tons and was protected by a white tarpaulin cover.
Passing safely through four countries
Initially, the convoys were meant to take the fastest and most direct route through Burkina Faso into Niger. However, as the security conditions along this track did not guarantee these transports to take place safely, MONPE had to make new plans to get the job done for their customers. Several months of meticulous planning and route surveys were required to find an alternative itinerary to transport the 219t-giants to their final destination at a power plant station near Niger’s capital city of Niamey.
Border crossings, bridge structures and small village roads needed to be analyzed and properly prepared for and countless electric lines and other obstacles needed to be (re)-moved in order to guarantee a safe passage of the striking heavy-haul convoys. At the end of it, around 1,285 kilometers were in front of the 10 members crew, passing four different countries, from Ghana through Togo and Benin, and finally to Niger.
Besides overcoming the generally rough road and climate conditions on this trip, the MONPE team also managed to meet the numerous Covid-19 requirements in the respective areas.
Finally and despite all challenges, the specialists managed to complete each journey flawlessly in an astonishing average of only 23 days. And whether the heavily loaded ModulMAX trailers passed large cities or small villages, people stood back and were amazed by the sight of the impressive, orange rigs.
The 650 mm stroke played out its strengths
Ultimately, these remarkable moves contributed to a successful key project for the energy supply in the region and MONPE owner Peter Everett had nothing but great feedback to give about the Faymonville trailer solutions that helped to realize it. “We appreciate the premium product quality. Our twin tyre ModulMAX modular fleet was able to handle even the most difficult route sections. The 650 mm stroke of the pendle-axles managed to cross very rough road segments with huge potholes and even some flooded areas, while still ensuring the stability of the convoy and cargo at all times. The necessary transport safety was guaranteed thanks to permanent optimal ground contact.”
Peter Everett and his team feel comfortable with their transport equipment from Faymonville when dealing with such amazing challenges. “My staff appreciates the gentle vehicle handling. The modular vehicle solutions by Faymonville are absolutely made for the most challenging conditions. We experienced the perfect example of that.”
Faymonville with large footprint in Africa
Established in 2005, the Ghanaian family company MONPE is a leading specialized and heavy haul transporter in Western Africa. MONPE’s eye-catching orange fleet of trailers includes 28 axle lines of modular trailers with numerous accessories such as several goosenecks and drawbars, diverse decks and a 4-file kit, allowing them to be extremely versatile, whether it is required to move mining & construction machinery, industrial goods f.ex. for the oil & gas sector or any other kind of oversized cargo throughout Western Africa.
Faymonville can state that its footprint and market penetration on the African continent have grown consistently over the years, making it an important pillar in their worldwide network. Several hundred units were delivered. Besides modular trailers, numerous semi-trailers, extendable flatbeds, dolly trailers and further specialized solutions from Faymonville help to move machinery and project cargo safely and successfully in Africa.