Project details
- Client: Hualu Engineering & Technology Co., Ltd.
- End User: SABIC Fujian Petrochemicals Co. Ltd.
- Location: Liessel 13, 2440 Geel → end of Molenbergstraat quay, Albert Canal
- Cargo:2 Polypropylene reactors (22 m L × 4 m W × 13.5 m H; 70 mm plate; 330 T R2001 & 286 T R2501)
629 t ancillary equipment in crates (1 800 m³) - Final Destination: Fujian Gulei Ethylene & Downstream Complex, China
- Annual Capacity: 400 000 000 kg PP
Preparation & loading
Every transport begins with a thorough inspection of the reactors and their lifting points. Our engineers first verified the strength and integrity of the supports, pivot points, and welds in accordance with Ineos licensing requirements, then determined each reactor’s exact center of gravity to ensure balanced lifting.
Simultaneously, the 16-axle low-bed trailers with hydraulic pendulum suspension were set up: air springs were precisely adjusted so that axle loads remained within legal limits, avoiding fines or road damage. Meanwhile, all auxiliary equipment—valves, heat exchangers, control panels, and pumps—was packed into custom wooden crates.
Each crate was palletized, shrink-wrapped, and fitted with unique serial labels and packing lists, so that upon arrival in Antwerp and later in Xiamen, every component is immediately traceable to its crate.</p
The 2 km heavy-haul route
Once the reactors were securely on the trailers, the short but complex haul to the quay began. Under our own overhead cranes, the trailers were carefully maneuvered outside, guided inch by inch by spotters using radios and hand signals.
Crossing the N1 highway bridge, the driver maintained a constant 12–15 km/h while real-time sensors monitored trailer deck deflection, tire pressure, and axle loads. Through Geel’s streets, the convoy averaged 10–12 km/h thanks to temporary traffic measures and an escort team that briefly closed intersections and rerouted other vehicles.</p
Quay operations on the Albert Canal
Upon arrival at the Ro-Ro quay on Molenbergstraat, trailers and pontoons were aligned to the millimeter according to the preapproved plan.
Two 500-ton all-terrain cranes lifted each reactor simultaneously by its four lifting lugs, following our certified lift plan; every move was documented with photos and video for quality assurance.
The crates containing auxiliary equipment were stowed in designated pontoon holds and secured per international lashing regulations with tensioners, chains, and chocks, ensuring both reactors and support gear travel safely onto the waterway.</p
