project transport experience

Rehabilitation of hydropower plants at Aswan high dam

DSV in MENA delivers complex heavy-lift transformer logistics for critical energy infrastructure in Egypt

Powering Egypt's energy future with precision heavy-lift logistics

A complex, time-critical heavy-lift logistics operation delivering 13 power transformers from China to Egypt, supporting the rehabilitation of the Aswan High Dam hydropower plants.

DSV in MENA successfully executed a time-sensitive, high-complexity project involving the transport of 13 power transformers and associated accessories for the rehabilitation of the hydropower plants at the Aswan High Dam, a key asset generating a significant share of Egypt’s electricity and protecting the Nile Valley from destructive flooding.

DSV delivered a fully coordinated ocean breakbulk solution under extreme time pressure, ensuring safe and compliant delivery from China to Egypt during a peak seasonal shipping period.

This project required meticulous planning, fast mobilisation, and robust execution across multiple origins and a critical final delivery point at Safaga Port.

Project summary

Transporting 13 heavy power transformers and associated components from China to Egypt to support the rehabilitation of hydropower infrastructure at the Aswan High Dam, ensuring reliable energy generation and long-term grid stability.

What was moved

6 × 238 MVA power transformers (including full accessories and spare parts)
6 × cooling systems
7 × additional transformers (mix of 51 MVA and 160 MVA units, including accessories and spares)
Total shipment weight: 553 tons (13 transformers in total)

Key challenges

Short-notice execution with limited lead time from the customer
Peak seasonal congestion during the Christmas shipping period
Complex coordination of oversized, high-value energy equipment
Multiple origin points requiring consolidated planning and sequencing
Strict delivery timelines linked to critical infrastructure commissioning in Egypt

Heavy-lift logistics solution

An integrated ocean breakbulk and project logistics solution designed to move oversized, high-value transformers from China to Egypt

Ocean breakbulk

DSV engineered a tailored ocean freight solution for heavy-lift and out-of-gauge cargo, ensuring secure loading, sea transport, and discharge handling across multiple oversized units.
Integrated project logistics

End-to-end planning across suppliers enabled efficient cargo consolidation and vessel optimisation, with real-time carrier coordination to manage congestion risks.
Heavy-lift project handling

Engineering-led planning ensured safe transformer handling, with controlled lifting, securing, and full operational oversight during loading and discharge.
Time-critical execution strategy

To meet the project deadline, DSV deployed accelerated planning cycles and AI-supported logistics visibility tools to improve decision-making.

Project results & impact

Successful delivery of all 13 transformers within critical project timelines
Full compliance with complex international shipping and handling requirements
Reduced schedule risk despite peak-season congestion pressures
Strengthened supply chain continuity for essential power infrastructure in Egypt
Enabled ongoing rehabilitation of hydropower capacity at the Aswan High dam

Delivering impact where it matters

This project demonstrates DSV in MENA's capability in heavy-lift logistics, project cargo transport, and energy infrastructure supply chains, particularly in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments. By combining engineering expertise, global coordination, and agile execution, DSV continues to support critical infrastructure developments across the region, keeping essential energy projects moving, even under the most challenging conditions.

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