Tailored Solutions & Real-Time Insights for Major Industrial Project in Spain
In late summer 2023, Ahlers Logistics was called in by the customer with a big mission: transport of approx. 150 containers & 150 trucks with steel mill equipment from multiple departure points to a steel mill in Zaragoza, Spain. The customer, a leading equipment manufacturer for the metal industries, needed a reliable and efficient logistics partner for this critical project.
Navigating an Expanding Mission Amidst Global Challenges
The steel mill was recently relocated to the outskirts of Zaragoza and plans to upgrade its existing rolling mill to enhance sustainability in its production processes. After a few months of meticulous preparations, the project operations kicked off in early December 2023. While most of the cargo was standard, approximately 100 out-of-gauge (OOG) containers added extra complexity. The project involved multiple departure points, including China, Turkey, Albania, Austria, Italy and several others.
As the project evolved, so did its scope. To keep the project on schedule, larger than planned container volumes had to be shipped within a narrow time frame. This increase, coupled with the Red Sea Crisis, posed a significant challenge with rising logistics costs and equipment availability issues.
Tailored Solutions and Real-Time Insights
Ahlers Logistics stepped up with an end-to-end solution with DDP deliveries. Our local teams in China and Spain played a crucial role, managing the selection and communication with carriers, and navigating the complexities of an overheated shipping market at the Chinese origin and the customs clearance at destination. We appointed a dedicated project coordinator to provide daily updates, ensuring transparency and continuous communication.
One of the standout value-added services provided was our track & trace solution. Our Data Analytics team collaborated closely with the client to develop a customized dashboard. This solution encompassed all shipment-related data, including CO2 emissions, responding to the customer’s growing needs to measure CO2 emissions and achieve sustainability goals. The dashboard was continually refined, adding new features as requested, resulting in a highly tailored and efficient tool.
The Red Sea Crisis introduced significant challenges, particularly in terms of quickly rising shipping costs and the availability of transport equipment. An urgent shipment required immediate attention, and flat racks were in short supply. However, our teams in Belgium and China coordinated efforts to provide a breakbulk solution, ensuring timely delivery despite the global transport disruptions.
The project is still ongoing, and the final containers will arrive in Zaragoza in late September 2024. Our team has shown its ability to adapt and overcome major logistical challenges. Using our local expertise, advanced data solutions, and coordinated global efforts, we provided comprehensive, customized logistics services. From start to finish, we’re committed to delivering top-notch solutions that go above and beyond the expectations of our customers.
Scope
- Industry: Metallurgy
- Cargo: Various steel mill equipment
- Volume: 363 containers (inc. 100 containers OOG)
- Route: From China, Austria, Italy, Albania, Turkey to Spain
Challenges
- Larger than planned container volumes had to be shipped within a narrow time frame
- Transport availability issues due to Red Sea crisis
- Strict delivery schedule aligned with construction works in Zaragoza
- Extra visibility of all shipments required by the customer
- Customs clearance nuances in Spain
Solution
- End-to-end solution with DDP shipments
- Customized track & trace dashboard, covering all shipment-related data and CO2 footprint
- Smooth and timely coordination by the global Ahlers team, facilitated by a dedicated project coordinator
- Direct management of carrier selection and the customs clearance process by the local team in Spain