Scan Global Logistics (SGL) has transported one of the world’s largest 3D construction printers from Denmark to Qatar, coordinating the movement of 18 oversized components aboard a Boeing 747 freighter.
The scope of the job involved moving 18 printer components to Doha, Qatar, for the largest 3D construction project in the world. Each printer part measured up to 10-plus m in length and weighed between 2.2-2.8 tonnes each. SGL said the most effective solution to meet the tight timeframe and budget was a charter flight using a Boeing 747F nose loader, departing directly from Billund Airport.
The transport involved three critical steps: safe handling and goods collection; secure stacking; and successful unloading. The team began by visiting the pickup locations throughout Denmark to understand the best practices for handling the odd-sized, heavy-weight goods. This included techniques for safely lifting the components in preparation for the carriage. Subsequently, all the goods were efficiently and securely collected and stored prior to departure.
Secondly, SGL developed a stacking solution to save the customer costs and avoid splitting the shipment. This included Billund Airport leveraging its loading expertise to build wooden frames around each component and designing special 20 ft (6.1 m) pallets to ensure even weight distribution. By carefully calculating the load capacity and deploying two high-loaders, all components were securely consolidated into the freighter.
But, securely loading the components was only half the job. One misstep at unloading in Doha could cause the oversized cargo to tilt or topple. Therefore, two team members accompanied the cargo to ensure that everything would go according to plan at the final delivery. Again, success required two high-loaders operating in tandem.
Earlier this year, SGL opened its first office in Türkiye.
