Realogistics shipped energy storage from China to Austria

Project Background

Realogistics recently completed a complex international transportation project for a major client in the new energy sector. The task involved transporting high-value lithium-ion energy storage cabinets (UN3480) from a factory in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, to a final project site in Austria under DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) terms, utilizing a combined sea-land multimodal solution.

Cargo Details

• • Commodity: Lithium-Ion Energy Storage Cabinets
• • DG Classification: DG Class 9, UN3480
• • Volume: 7 x 40'HQ containers, totaling 57 packages
• • Total Weight: 153.861 Tons
• • Total Volume: 265.19 CBM

Transportation Route

The multimodal route was meticulously designed to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness:

Chengdu Factory(Road Freight) → Port of Yantian, Shenzhen (Ocean Freight)→ Port of Hamburg, Germany(Road Freight) → Project Site in Austria

Project Challenges

The project involved high-value, large-volume cargo classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, presenting significant demands on professionalism, safety, and timeliness. The main challenges were:

1. 1. Strict Regulatory Compliance: As UN3480 lithium-ion batteries, the cargo had to comply with the complex regulations of both international maritime (IMDG Code) and European road transport (ADR).
2. 2. Complex Customs Clearance: The cargo needed to enter the EU through the Port of Hamburg, Germany, utilizing the client's German entity's EORI and VAT numbers for clearance before being transshipped to Austria. Additionally, the consignee was required to comply with EU F-Gas regulations and obtain an HFC quota in advance.
3. 3. High-Risk Handling Operations: The cargo had high individual value and large dimensions (wooden cases up to 2.5 meters high). The destination in Austria lacked a proper loading dock, making direct container unloading impossible. This necessitated devanning and transloading at a warehouse in Germany, increasing the risk of damage during handling.
4. 4. In-Transit Safety and Security: Throughout the long-haul journey, it was crucial to ensure cargo stability to prevent damage from vibrations and to have emergency measures in place to address potential fire risks associated with lithium batteries.
5. 5. Time and Cost Pressures: Precise coordination of customs clearance, container pickup, devanning, and final delivery was essential to align with the unloading capacity at the Austrian site while strictly controlling potential detention, demurrage, and storage costs at the destination port.
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Solutions

1. 1. Proactive Compliance and Advanced Booking: The team prepared a full set of compliance documents, including the Maritime Appraisal Report, MSDS, UN38.3 test report, and DG declaration. By submitting for shipping line approval at least two weeks in advance, they successfully secured the vessel booking.
2. 2. Proactive Communication and Customs Coordination: Realogistics actively communicated with the consignee, guiding them to apply for the HFC quota in advance. A detailed customs clearance plan was developed before the vessel's arrival, and the consignee was reminded to prepare for the substantial tax payment, ensuring a smooth entry process.
3. 3. Meticulous Handling and Delivery Arrangements:
• • A specialized warehouse in Hamburg with DG handling qualifications was selected for the devanning operation.
• • To mitigate handling risks, specific instructions were given to the operators regarding forklift height, drawing on lessons from past incidents to prevent damage.
• • For the final delivery, a "wing van" truck, which offers higher safety and flexibility, was arranged instead of a standard flatbed truck, perfectly accommodating the unloading conditions at the site.
4. 4. Comprehensive Safety Measures:
• • Full cargo insurance was secured for the shipment.
• • The factory was instructed to add foam and other cushioning materials inside the containers to mitigate vibrations.
• • The trucks used for road transport were subject to a speed limit of 80 km/h and equipped with specialized lithium battery fire extinguishing equipment.
5. 5. Seamless Logistical Planning: Through precise planning and scheduling, Realogistics achieved a seamless transition from port arrival, customs clearance, container pickup, devanning, to final delivery. This not only ensured on-time delivery but also successfully minimized extra costs at the destination.

Project Outcome

Despite facing unforeseen setbacks, such as shipping orders being withheld after approval and incidents of DG cargo being rolled, the team resolved all issues effectively, thanks to their professional expertise and robust contingency plans. Ultimately, all 7 containers were delivered safely and on time to the client in Austria, earning high praise for the service.

This successful operation once again highlights Realogistics' professional capabilities in managing complex, high-value, and high-risk international transportation projects.