Challenges in Planning and Designing for the Sea Transportation of Heavy Modules of a Modularized Plant, an EPC Contractor's Perspective

The ocean transportation of heavy modules on heavy transportation vessels (HTV) has a large influence on the design and construction of modularized plants. In some instances, it governs structural design loads and influences the layout and commissioning plan of modules. Proper selection of transportation routes, seasons, and vessels will reduce the impact of transportation loads and constraints on the overall module design. Details presented in this paper are based on an EPC Modularization project involving the sea transportation of 5 mega modules weighing between 5000MT to 9000MT, totaling 34000MT, which took place between November 2020 and February 2021. A summary of planning and execution strategy together with key solutions to deal with challenges faced during this project can serve as a guide for future projects.