Exceptional transport of a 110-tonnes column
An extraordinary project, never before accomplished in terms of its scale, complexity, and logistical coordination in this geographical area.
Exceptional Transport in Veneto: Marraffa's Work
Marraffa has successfully completed a new exceptional transport project, handling a 6.5-meter-wide sulfuric acid catalysis column from Cazzago di Pianiga to Marano, in the province of Venice.
This is an extraordinary project, unprecedented in its size, complexity, and logistical coordination in this geographical area.
Exceptional Transport of a Large-Scale Artifact
Marraffa has been involved as one of the most reliable partners in Italy in the field of exceptional transport, as demonstrated by the many projects featured in the case studies section of the website.
In this case, Marraffa's expert technicians were asked to support the strategic technological upgrade for the Marchi Industriale plant in Marano, which replaced the old, large sulfuric acid catalysis column built in 1974. The 110-ton structure, transported using exceptional transport, was manufactured by Isosteel in Cazzago di Pianiga and is constructed entirely of AISI 304 H stainless steel, a high-quality and difficult-to-find material. To facilitate road transport, the 110-ton column was divided into two symmetrical sections of 55 tons each. This modular configuration allowed for safe transport to Marano, where the two parts were reunited for final assembly and commissioning.
Exceptional road transport for two 40-meter convoys: Marraffa's intervention
For the exceptional transport of the 110-ton stainless steel column, two convoys, each 40 meters long and 6.60 meters high, were used. These convoys were designed to handle and move oversized and overweight loads in maximum safety. As a reliable and cutting-edge partner in the field of exceptional transport for the energy, oil, and other industries, Marraffa managed the entire planning phase of the exceptional road transport, transforming an oversized transport into a controlled operation. The project was based on three operational pillars:
- Study of the route and impact on traffic of the exceptional transport: the Marraffa technical team pre-analyzed the route between Cazzago di Pianiga and Marano. The study allowed them to identify the roads suitable for supporting 55-ton loads and 40-meter-long convoys, minimizing interference with local traffic;
- Institutional coordination for exceptional transport: given the exceptional nature of the load, Marraffa acted as an intermediary between the company and the local area. The operation required constant coordination with local authorities and law enforcement, the management of road access points, and the safety of public spaces during transit;
- Bureaucratic management and exceptional movement authorizations: Marraffa oversaw the complete process for obtaining authorizations for exceptional transport. This included verifying the structural capacity of bridges and infrastructure along the route, ensuring full compliance with Highway Code regulations for overweight and oversized loads.
Industrial handling with SPMT
Once the truck reached the Marano plant, road transport gave way to a complex internal handling operation. For the final positioning of the two 55-ton sections, Marraffa used SPMT systems, self-propelled modular system specifically designed to handle oversized loads in confined industrial spaces.
The use of this technology required meticulous engineering planning, specifically designed to verify the slopes and bearing capacity of the internal surfaces. Thanks to the hydraulic control of the SPMTs, extremely precise maneuvers were possible, guiding the components to the assembly area in complete safety. This final phase confirms Marraffa's expertise in complex industrial handling, ensuring absolute stability and compliance with operating times even in the most critical logistical conditions.
Exceptional transport in Italy: Marraffa's expertise
Operations of this scale require a perfect synergy between engineering skills, field experience, and coordination between multiple stakeholders. The expertise of Marraffa, a leading name in exceptional transport in Italy, transforms the management of oversized loads into a spectacular and safe process. Every variable, from the size of the structure to the capacity of the infrastructure, is analyzed in advance to ensure operational efficiency and strict adherence to delivery times.
This project is not simply a matter of moving heavy loads, but an example of highly complex industrial logistics where technology and planning come together.
When weight and size exceed the usual limits, Marraffa proves itself as a strategic partner capable of translating extraordinary logistical challenges into concrete results for modern industry.