Shipping to Africa: Stadium Transports 9,000kg Vehicle to Gabon

Stadium Export Services organised the shipping of a 9,000kg mobile road repair machine from the UK to Africa for road repair company, Velocity.

The vehicle, measuring 8m x 3m x 2.55m, was loaded on to a low loader in Sunderland and transported to Port Tilbury in Essex to meet ro-ro (roll-on roll-off) vessel, Grande Abidjan. The ship later connected with vessel, Grande San Paulo in Antwerp, Belgium, for the second leg to Gabon in Africa.

Shipping to Africa

Shipping cargo to Africa can be complex and challenging. To minimise delays, Stadium worked with a specialist certification company to establish whether import licenses and documents proving the vehicle complied with Gabonese Ministry of Transport regulations were needed. Following guidance, it was confirmed that additional documentation was unnecessary and the vehicle could be freely imported.

Clare Curtis, a Freight Forwarder at Stadium Export Services, explains further: “We were initially advised that Gabonese authorities would not accept the import of the vehicle as cargo weighing over 3.5 tonnes must be less than 6 years old. However, further investigations confirmed that public works, agricultural and forestry machinery were exempt from these restrictions.”

Short notice changes to shipping schedules

Services to Gabon are limited, with vessel schedules and routings subject to change at short notice depending on cargo levels. Due to last minute alterations to the shipping route, Stadium organised several changes at short notice to re-route the cargo through Antwerp, ensuring the vehicle was still delivered on time and without additional cost to Velocity.

Details

What is a ro-ro vessel

A ro-ro (roll-on roll-off) vessel is a ship used to carry wheeled cargo. Ro-ro vessels differ from lo-lo (lift-on lift-off) vessels because the cargo is loaded and unloaded using in-built ramps, rather than a lifting crane. Normally, these ramps are built towards the stern of the ship, however, they are also found on the bow side and sides of some ro-ro ships.

Looking for a freight forwarder?

Are you looking for a freight forwarder to organise the shipping of cargo to Africa? Stadium Export Services has over 35 years’ experience shipping complex freight to global destinations. Get in touch with our expert team to discuss your requirements.