A sizeable challenge met by Laso

The lattice bridge structures were so large, tower adaptors more often seen when moving wind turbine towers, were used on the ends. Photo: Laso

Laso transported a pair of very large bridge structures by road in Portugal for onward travel by sea to the Netherlands.

The bridges, made by Martifer – Construções Metalomecânicas, were transported in early August from Oliveira de Frades to the Port of Aveiro. Their journey then continued from there by sea to the Port of Rotterdam.

Each bridge section was 50 metres long and their size meant the use of a tower adapter. Hydraulically adjusting for the width of the cargo allowed completion of the more complex manoeuvres on this job.

Planning for success

Challenges on the job were presented by the size of the bridge sections and their weight. Meticulous planning was essential to avoid obstacles and minimise risks, Laso said. Co-ordination with local authorities along the route helped ensure things ran smoothly.

In addition to issues presented by the size of the load, another crucial element was time management. Running at night was to avoid creating road congestion and it avoided disruption of services at the Port of Aveiro.

The loads had to be moved at night in Portugal to avaid causing traffic disruption. Photo: Laso

Safety was the top priority throughout the entire operation, to protect the bridges, the staff involved, and the general public, Laso said, “This transport reaffirms Laso’s ability to tackle and overcome large-scale logistical challenges. This partnership with Martifer is a testament to the trust that one of the leading industrial companies places in Laso for the execution of highly complex operations.”