#Howwedoit

Sarens was challenged with the huge task of offloading, storing, transporting, and installing a whole array of petrochemical equipment for a gas-chemical complex, including four propane tanks of enormous dimensions - over 12m high and 50m long! The other equipment included three columns, two heat exchangers, eight reactors, and 8 reactor accessories.

The equipment arrived at Atyrau Port in Kazakhstan, where Sarens completed offloading and storage operations. Because the port was not designed to support extreme loads from such large payloads, Sarens used spreader mats to ensure a safe ground bearing pressure during offloading operations. The CC6800 crane was used in SSL configuration along with 44 axle lines of SPMT for offload operations. The CC6800 was chosen as it could lift the almost 600T maximum load at a 20m radius, and the SMPTs allowed for the crowded port to be navigated safely and effectively.

The whole project engaged around 200 people, including both Sarens staff and local government officials. During the transportation phase, planning the best route, liaising with officials, and adapting the infrastructure were the key challenges. To give an idea of the organisational challenge that is faced by a project of these proportions Sarens had to build three entirely new bypass roads to avoid bridges, widen the road by 1.5m for a 3km stretch, and make five road improvements at points of 90 degree turns. On top of this we needed to remove and replace; 200 overhead power line cables, 120 streetlights, 24 traffic lights, 48 pedestrian lampposts, 4 traffic camera racks, 20 telecommunication cables and 2 major hot water supply pipes. We also had to organise a timely railway crossing – and of course we removed and replaced the crossing gate too! The equipment was transported in 5 separate convoys, each took 3 days to complete the trip from the port to the site.

The biggest challenge of the project overall was to deliver it during the Covid-19 pandemic. We employed rigorous measures to minimise contact and increase safety of all personnel on the project. It also meant that the client was not able to visit, so all communications and planning was done online.

We’re delighted with how Sarens superb personnel managed and delivered the project throughout, and we hope that you enjoy riding along the epic journey with us!