Challenges lie in last-minute changes

Due to its inherent nature, a project often consists of bespoke requirements and therefore changes as it grows and develops. Companies have to be able to adjust to this environment, making sure they meet very tight budgets and deadlines, says Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Abnormal Load Services (WWL ALS) general manager for South Africa, Simon Kew. “This often means that the main challenges arise primarily due to essential last minute changes and amendments, which impact packaging requirements, cargo dimensions and weights, which can all change. And this can have a massive impact on service requirements, project timelines, schedules, routings, permits, authority permissions for movements, etc.” He said this in turn could require review of all transportation operations and lifting/handling arrangements, directly impacting costings and budgets. “The project sector therefore calls for highly experienced logistics experts,” he told FTW. “At the same time regular customer meetings and close liaison with project managers is key to the smooth-running of any project.” He says this is part and parcel of the way that WWL ALS operates, preferring to be involved at the very outset of project formation in relation to options and budgets. “Additional challenges arise within the South African and sub-Saharan market in terms of infrastructure and ability to deliver project cargo safely and incident-free.” He said in general project cargo dimensions and weights were increasing, and more frequently larger cargoes were being transported. “This calls for more capabilities in this sector along with innovative solutions to meet clients’ demands. This seemingly is as a direct result of project timelines and delivering projects on time,” said Kew. “Where previously large items would have been dismantled for transport and re-assembled on site, these large items are now being transported complete to avoid on-site re-assembly and delays.” CAPTION Infrastructure is a huge challenge in sub-Saharan Africa