Powering power transmission in Cameroon

Cameroon is a country with so much diversity – over 200 ethnic groups, incredible wild life and more than 275 local spoken languages – that it is often referred to as ‘Africa in miniature.’ This diversity extends to the country’s geographic features and landscape too and as a result providing project logistics services in the region requires a whole new level of specialisation and capabilities.

In a continent like Africa, the diversity among socio-economic and political conditions, development levels and plans for growth creates unique complexities for businesses in the region. As a result, most consider it worthwhile to partner with experienced service providers who have a thorough understanding of not just the business, but also local rules, regulations and cultural nuances.

Powering the development of the continent, Allcargo Logistics’ project logistics division has been successfully making in-roads into Africa and providing factory-to-foundation project engineering and equipment solutions for water and electricity transmission projects across countries like Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, Cameroon and many more.

Meeting the need for power generation

In its national development strategy 2020-2030, it was revealed that Cameroon plans to increase its installed power generation capacity to 5000 MW by 2030. Along with meeting the local energy demand, it will explore the possibilities of exporting excess production to neighbouring countries.

In keeping with these aspirations, it is no surprise then, that there is a tremendous scope for power projects in Cameroon. And with each power project comes challenge of transporting specialised, complex project equipment through diverse geographical conditions, often to seemingly inaccessible locations.

Offering project logistics expertise that counts

For one of the key power projects in Cameroon, three transformers had to be moved from Portugal to Abong-Mbang, located in the south-eastern part of Cameroon on the upper Nyong River. The 60 MVA 225_90_15kVA transformers with dimensions (L-4650 X W-2700 X H-4900) weighed over 70 tons each.

Allcargo proved its mettle as a vital partner at the destination end of the movement, effectively handling and managing the entire spectrum of tasks involved right from collecting the cargo under hook, completing express / direct release formalities, carrying out documentation and payment of port and shipping line charges and clearing the cargo.

Further, it also took care of transportation within the country, escort, and delivery up to the site of the project.

Additionally, once at the site, the team drew on its equipment expertise for mobilisation / immobilisation of the crane for off-loading the cargo onto the plinth at the site.

Ingenuity and precision to tackle challenges

“What matters most during such projects is a detailed plan that leaves nothing to chance but is still agile and flexible enough to be modified for accommodating weather conditions and other factors that are beyond our control. With years of experience under our belt and multiple project movements completed successfully, we are well-equipped to deliver with excellence and reliability that our customers trust us for”, says Rahul Rai, Head – Business Development – Project Logistics Division, Allcargo Logistics.

The movement of transformers in Cameroon was not easy. To begin with, the shipment landed before the road penalty exemptions were received from the customer. To ensure that the project stayed on-schedule and there was no loss of time or resources, the team had to clear the shipment within 3-4 days and avoid port storage – a feat they managed with remarkable efficiency.

While dealing with complex cargo and equipment, accountability doesn’t end with transportation to the site. Offloading the cargo with utmost safety and care and ensuring its optimal condition forms a key stage of the movement. Once again, something that Allcargo’s team proved adept at, owing to its relentless focus on offering seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions.

Always raring to go

Just like Cameroon’s football team – which calls itself the ‘Indomitable Lions’ and reigns supreme as one of Africa’s most successful football teams – Allcargo’s team of project logistics experts too is geared to be indomitable.

It is all set to keep up its winning ways while contributing to infrastructure development and progress in Cameroon and across Africa.