When Standard Logistics Isn’t Enough- Unitex Moves 38-Meter Foundation Pipes to Papua New Guinea

Custom lifting equipment, round-the-clock crane operations, and meticulous planning ensured the smooth execution of this complex project cargo shipment

Unitex Int’l Forwarding, a member of The Cooperative Logistics Network in Ningbo, China, has successfully completed the transportation of 38-meter-long foundation steel pipes from Huanghua, China, to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, demonstrating its expertise in managing complex project cargo and non-standard shipments.

The operation presented several challenges from the outset. The extraordinary length of the pipes required specialized handling procedures, while the destination port’s limited experience with breakbulk cargo added another layer of operational complexity. Extended handling times and demanding lifting requirements further increased the need for careful planning and precise execution to keep the project on schedule.

 project cargo shipment
Unitex moves a project cargo shipment Huanghua to Port Moresby

 

Additionally, to ensure a smooth operation, Unitex implemented a series of customized logistics solutions tailored to the cargo’s unique characteristics. The company arranged dedicated yard storage facilities to accommodate the 20-day overland transportation process and coordinated round-the-clock crane operations, allowing vessel loading to be completed in just four days instead of the six originally anticipated.

The project also required specially designed equipment, including a custom-built 15-meter lifting boom and tandem ship crane operations utilizing both bow and stern cranes to safely handle the ultra-long cargo. In addition, they deployed customized 10-ton lifting slings for each pipe to facilitate secure and efficient discharge at the destination.

“Project cargo operations demand more than equipment and transportation capacity. They require detailed engineering, proactive planning, and the ability to adapt to challenges at every stage of the journey,” said Ms. Karen Ngo, Managing Director of Unitex Int’l Forwarding. “This shipment is a great example of how experience and teamwork can transform a highly complex operation into a successful delivery.”

The successful completion of the project highlights Unitex’s 29 years of experience in handling oversized and non-standard cargoes across challenging trade lanes. “This project required close coordination between all parties involved, from origin handling to final discharge. We are proud to have delivered a solution that met the customer’s timeline while ensuring the safe handling of every piece of cargo throughout the journey,” added Ms. Ngo.

Congratulations to Unitex for for overcoming the operational challenges and delivering another outstanding project cargo success!

Headway Strengthens Global Logistics Capabilities with Specialized Cargo Solutions and Strategic Project Execution

From customized dry cargo transportation and multimodal shipping to factory relocation assessments and consolidated furniture exports, Headway continues to deliver flexible logistics solutions that optimize costs, reduce risks, and enhance supply chain efficiency

Headway JSC, a member of The Cooperative Logistics Network in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has recently showcased its expertise through a series of successful logistics projects spanning specialized dry cargo transportation, industrial site assessments, and international consolidated shipping operations. By tailoring solutions to the unique requirements of different cargo types, the company continues to help customers improve operational efficiency while maintaining reliability across global supply chains.

Specialized Logistics Solutions for Diverse Dry Cargo

One of the company’s recent projects involved transporting display refrigerators and components from Ningbo, China, to Los Angeles, USA, using four 40’HC containers. Through optimized container loading and specialized lashing techniques, Headway maximized space utilization while ensuring cargo security and cost control.

For a shipment of panoramic cameras moving from Hai Phong, Vietnam, to Manila, Philippines, the company implemented a carefully controlled LCL solution featuring specialized packaging, shock-resistant palletizing, and real-time cargo tracking to minimize handling risks throughout the journey.

Headway also provided an end-to-end LCL Door-to-Door solution for uniforms and educational supplies shipped from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, enabling customers to benefit from consolidation services that reduced transportation costs while maintaining full visibility across the supply chain.

To support urgent industrial shipments, the company successfully coordinated a multimodal Sea-Truck-Air solution for industrial labels moving across Asia and Korea, significantly reducing transit times while offering a more cost-effective alternative to full air freight. “Every cargo type demands a different operational strategy. By combining industry expertise with flexible transportation planning, we help customers optimize costs, control risks, and build more resilient supply chains,” said Felix Nguyen, Managing Director of Headway.

Supporting Industrial Development Through On-Site Logistics Planning

Beyond transportation services, Headway continues to strengthen its role as a strategic logistics partner through comprehensive project assessments. The company’s team recently conducted an on-site survey following the relocation of a plastic pipe manufacturing facility from Dong Nai to Dat Do, Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The assessment included inspections of production areas, manufacturing lines, and equipment systems that are currently being commissioned after the move.

Headway also evaluated various plastic pipe products, pipe fittings, and engineering plastic components, recording cargo dimensions, handling requirements, and technical specifications needed to develop efficient transportation plans for future distribution. The survey provides the foundation for customized logistics solutions designed to ensure safe and reliable transportation of industrial cargo to dealer networks, distribution partners, and infrastructure projects.

Optimizing Furniture Exports with Consolidated Shipping

Headway further demonstrated its operational flexibility by successfully managing a consolidated ocean freight shipment of flat-pack furniture from Ho Chi Minh City to Manila, Philippines. The shipment, consisting of power recliner sofas, smart beds, and height-adjustable desks, utilized a 40-foot container carrying more than 14 tonnes of cargo. Through strategic cargo arrangement, proper segregation of different product categories, and specialized securing methods, Headway maximized container utilization while minimizing the risk of damage during transit.

When unexpected changes to the customer’s delivery schedule threatened to miss the CFS receiving cut-off, the team proactively coordinated with warehouse operators and stakeholders to adjust stuffing operations, ensuring the cargo departed on the intended vessel and avoiding additional storage and roll-over costs. As stated by Felix Nguyen, Managing Director of Headway, “Successful logistics goes beyond moving cargo from one point to another. Flexible coordination, proactive planning, and the ability to adapt quickly to operational changes are what allow us to maintain schedule integrity and deliver value for our customers.”

Reinforcing Its Position as a Trusted Logistics Partner

From specialized dry cargo transportation and multimodal freight solutions to industrial site assessments and consolidated international shipments, Headway continues to demonstrate its ability to deliver tailored logistics services across multiple industries and trade lanes. By combining operational expertise with customer-focused planning, the company reinforces its position as a trusted logistics partner capable of optimizing transportation costs, minimizing risks, and supporting businesses with efficient global supply chain solutions.