This past month at SSAF Logistics, we completed a major project coordinated by Victor Ajewole, with teams across multiple regions ensuring its success. We managed the transport of chains, anchors, buoys, and other vital offshore components. Cargo weighing 1,400 tons (1.4 million kilos/3.1 million lbs) with volume of 2,500 CBM. The journey began in Bergen, Norway and concluded in Onne, Nigeria supporting an offshore oil platform project for a major local player in oil and gas upstream.

The Industrial Charger sailed for 25 days with a few port calls, and despite transshipment delays, we kept the project on track. Managing a shipment of this scale required specialized equipment including a 280 ton crane and 50 to 80 ton forklift capacity as well as close coordination across time zones with suppliers and engineering teams. Logistics team members involved were around 15 dedicated professionals, whose expertise ensured operations ran smoothly. While schedule differences occasionally slowed communication, they also strengthened our ability to collaborate effectively across international teams.

Overcoming Challenges & Project Execution

The cargo was then split into two groups. About 2,400 CBM was sent offshore, where we worked with the client's vendor to load specialized tugs/Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) for transporting the chains and anchors to the oil platform in Bonny Island, Southern Nigeria. The rest were delivered inland through our local partners Electra Global Logistics. Managing both offshore and inland operations required close coordination, but strong teamwork kept everything moving smoothly.

When the vessel finally arrived four days behind schedule we faced several hurdles. Terminal equipment malfunctioned, the vessel's own crane required repairs, and limited internet connectivity complicated customs clearance. Despite these setbacks, our team custom cleared the entire shipment in just two days, allowing cargo movement to begin on day three. All safety procedures were followed during the offloading process, and within two days. Off-shore Cargo was staged at the dock for off shore dispatch while the inland cargo was delivered by truck.

Project Take Aways

The client’s top priorities were efficiency, safety and avoiding demurrage charges. By clearing customs quickly, starting distribution immediately, and coordinating closely with vendors, we delivered on expectations while preventing extra costs. In the end, cargo was delivered safely, deadlines were met, and the client expressed being extremely satisfied.

This project reinforced key lessons: the value of local procedure knowledge, the need for proactive contingency planning, and the importance of close coordination with authorities and vendors. With these insights, we aim to streamline future projects even further such as targeting customs clearance within a single day of arrival. Ultimately SSAF Logistics will take on more projects of this scale or greater to continue building our knowledge and expertise.

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