Safely Through the Desert with Goldhofer Heavy Load Modules

For the transportation and installation of 30 tanks for the world’s largest solar park in Dubai, the experienced logistics and heavy transport company AL Faris was commissioned. To carry out the transport from Jebel Ali Port (UAE) to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the company once again relies on its proven Goldhofer heavy load modules.

(Memmingen/Dubai) To reliably move the 52-meter long and 235-ton heavy loads over the approximately 90-kilometer route, extensive logistical preparations and permits were necessary. The journey was always conducted in a two-vehicle convoy, with 30 Goldhofer heavy load axle lines and a Mercedes Actros tractor unit each. In this way, all tanks reached the solar park, which is nearing completion, on time. The tanks will be used together with an expansion vessel as part of an overflow storage system, in which the expanded thermal oil can be stored and reused. With an installed capacity of 5,000 MW in the final expansion, the facility, which is partially already in operation in Seih AL-Dahal, will be the world’s largest solar park.

Ensured Quick Arrival

The biggest challenges of the heavy load project were to maintain a short loading time and to plan an optimal route from the port to the solar park. On the one hand, strict requirements had to be met due to time constraints and the high storage volume in the port. On the other hand, the route had to be meticulously planned regarding road modifications, detours, and temporary diversions to avoid any obstacles along the transport route.

Extreme Construction Site Terrain No Obstacle

As the optimal means of transport for the demanding route, the Al-Faris experts chose towed Goldhofer heavy load modules of the THP/SL series, which are characterized by their high bending moment for extreme loads as well as easy handling with high axle compensation. This made even extreme construction site terrain no obstacle. Due to the length and high weight of the tanks, AL Faris decided to travel in a two-vehicle convoy with 30 axle lines each. “Our planning was 100 percent successful, and we were able to deliver the tanks to their destination in the shortest possible time,” said Mr. Pinto, founder of the Al Faris Group.

Combining Enormous Payload with Enduring Operating Times

After the transport, the tanks traveled about 100 meters on the hook of a 400-ton crawler crane to be mounted on the prepared foundations. Dean Exner, Goldhofer Area Sales Manager Middle East, was also highly pleased with this megaproject of his client AL Faris. “When it comes to transporting the heaviest and bulkiest cargo on and off the road to their destination, the THP/SL modules are often the most economical solution. They allow for combining an enormous payload with enduring operating times,” said Dean Exner.

Photos: © Goldhofer