When one of the largest diesel fuel refineries in Montréal ceased operations in 2014, the industrial equipment inside had to be dismantled and shipped to a buyer in Russia. Logistec drew on its network of partners to carefully plan for the vessel’s needs and load cargo on a tight schedule.
“We worked closely throughout the process with InStar Project Logistics, a qualified Russian freight forwarder with significant experience in Europe. This was one of their first large-scale assignments in Canada and, because of the size and scope of the refinery, we both knew we’d be up for a challenge,” says Jean-Marc Bélanger, Sales Manager at Logistec. “There were over 100 out-of-gauge pieces to deal with, and no two shapes were alike. The weight and dimensions of each item had to be considered individually.”
The team concluded that Section 98 at the Port of Montréal would provide the generous laydown area they needed. But in addition to implementing a storage plan for the refinery pieces, the terminal was in use as a receiving and distribution centre for municipal road salt supplies.
“Section 98 is well suited for both general cargo and bulk commodities, but both at the same time requires careful planning. Obviously, metal machinery and salt don’t mix. We strategically placed the salt piles and, as these were depleted, it freed up the right space for refinery pieces to be loaded efficiently,” said Maxime Fauteux, Operations Manager for Logistec at the Port of Montréal. “We also had to leave enough space for salt operations to continue while we received break-bulk deliveries, using tarps and other methods to keep the cargo completely separated.”
Prior to the HHL Tokyo’s arrival, Logistec coordinated with InStar and the Port Captain so that stowage plans and loading sequences were harmonized – all the more important since the cargo would be unloaded at two separate ports of call.
“It’s like putting together a puzzle in reverse. The equipment had to be properly sequenced so that when it arrived in Russia, the pieces could be easily discharged,” says Daniel Jodoin, Vice-President of Operations at Logistec. “Each piece of cargo had to be verified individually. Our health and safety preparations included checking the weights being charged and bringing in the right equipment. We also identified the proper lifting points before the vessel arrived.”
After weeks of planning, the lift itself was completed in only six days.
For assistance with transloading the oversized pieces, Logistec brought in Groupe Bellemare, a speciality trucking firm. The refinery pieces were stored on blocks in order to be loaded more efficiently, and the tractor-trailers used hydraulics to seamlessly move the cargo from truck to stow.
“We have a reliable network of partners, and our locations in Eastern North America are perfect for break-bulk and project cargo shipments from Europe,” says Mr. Bélanger. “When we work with freight forwarders, shipping agents, and other third parties, we treat their clients as we would our own. It’s a shared commitment to providing trustworthy expertise for all aspects of the operation.”