ABA’s member in India - ORCHID Shipping received instructions to ship a soybean crusher plant to Alexandria for Oilex. It seemed to be a straightforward shipment with one bulky piece of 46 metric tons and dimensions of 26,2 x 3,9 x 3,9 together with accessories on 5x40’ flatracks, in 2x40’ open tops and 1 x 20’, but nothing was further from the truth. The search for an adequate and cost-effective solution took much longer and was a lot more cumbersome than anticipated. Finally after dismissing a host of other opportunities, it was decided to split the shipment. The OOG piece was booked and shipped November 24th on the Hoegh Yokohama by means of a Mafi trailer and the containers were loaded on a ZIM-vessel. Because of the overhang (photo above) the risk for damage was rather high and quite a number of ro-ro vessels were dismissed, because of the angle the ramp made dependent on the tide, both in Mumbai as at the port of destination Alexandria. After lengthy discussions, meticulous planning and meetings with Hoegh staff, Port Captain and a conference call with all stakeholders involved including those responsible in Alexandria the green light was finally given. Upon arrival of the vessel in Mumbai, it took 8 hours before the angle of the ramp was such that the loading could be done without causing damage to the centrepiece of the plant.