As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, battery energy storage systems are becoming a critical part of the global energy infrastructure.

 

Moving these systems from production to project site is anything but standard logistics. Battery energy storage systems present a range of specific logistical challenges.

Energy transition – storage technology is one key… logistics is another!

Dangerous goods cargo

BESS is per se hazardous cargo (Class 9, UN3536). Thus, it’s nature mandates a special focus on operational excellence, documentation, permits and certificates as well as absolute adherence to the customer’s method statements, guidelines and requirements for technical handling.

This is true for every step of the way:

  • For the road transport from the production site to the Port of Loading for international shipping,
  • The loading and unloading process – especially lifting,
  • Lashing and positioning the cargo on the ocean going vessel
  • as well as for any interim storage at terminals or at remote storage facilities.

Special securing concepts of cargo for road transport, special loading concepts on ocean going vessels – be it on container or on multi-purpose vessels – and alike are often part of measures necessary to create safe transports for this “special risk cargo”.

Regulatory compliance is key – in the country of origin like China or Vietnam, and in the country of destination.

Weight

Another aspect in shipping BESS is that these cargo units are often overweight. We see and handle weights of more than 40tons regularly. Of course, this requires special handling in lifting (loading and unloading operations set-up) and in choosing suitable trucks for road transport to/from international seaports and job-sites.

And more

In our daily business operations we also often come across several other aspects which require special expertise:

Timing

Energy storage projects often have a fixed jobsite-need-date. So it’s not only taking care of and attaining to the special needs of the cargo but also about precise coordination and pre-planning as there is no room for delays.

Benefit from our BESS communication set-up with continuous updates, multilingual customer service and a single experienced contact person for all inquiries.

Location

Another challenge we frequently have to meet is that BESS jobsites are located in remote areas and/or units need to travel several countries to reach their final place of delivery.

Obtaining road transport permits in several countries for transporting heavy lift DG cargo with oversize needs excellent coordination and profound preparations. And it might need a plan B in case unforeseeable obstacles such as road construction on short notice occur.

Customs matters – Cash flow

BESS cargo is rather high value and therefore we see that customers appreciate that we may arrange for in-bond transports up to final place of delivery – thus adding beneficially to the cash flow.

Our service range includes organizing e.g.:

  • Ocean freight solutions via container vessel and/or (part) charter multi-purpose vessel
  • Port handling by reach stacker or crane
  • Handling unit weights of over 40tons
  • Intermediate storage
  • Import customs clearance services
  • Delivery to remote locations incl. bonded transports of height value cargo
  • Mobile crane services for unloading at destination

If you are looking for a logistics partner who combines industry knowledge with global reach – let’s talk!

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