Global logistics provider Agility has carried out a heavy air-freight project to the US.

On behalf of an American energy sector technology supplier, Agility organised, within three days, the transport of a 50.8 ton generator shaft produced by Buderus Edelstahl of Wetzlar, Germany, said an official spokesman.

The turbine was first transported by truck from the steelworks to the Atlantic port of Bremerhaven where it was 'joined' to the substructure. The journey continued overnight by tractor-trailer to Luxembourg airport where shipment on a Cargolux B747 cargo plane to JFK airport was organised.

The specialised packing was a particular challenge for the Agility team and its partner as they had to manage this precise work under time pressure and in accordance to the strictest safety regulations.

A steel frame had to be specifically constructed for the transport of the turbine. First, eight 220 cm-long steel beams were set symmetrically across and underneath the steel frame.

Then the shaft in its steel frame was positioned precisely in the middle of the cross-beams and this construction was placed on 1150 cm steel support girders set lengthwise, said the spokesman.

Special 'eye' mounts were worked directly into the steel frame so that the individual steel components could be bolted (or welded) together in order to be secured within the airplane.

In this way it was possible to additionally affix the shaft securely at all points of the substructure to ensure that it would withstand the high centrifugal force during the flight, he said.TradeArabia News Service