Prism Logistics Pulls Out All the Stops for India Refinery Move

By Simon West

Prism Logistics recently pulled out all the stops to ensure a batch of mammoth industrial components was securely delivered to a refinery site at Panipat, northern India.

Describing the project as a “true test of its expertise and engineering capabilities”, the breakbulk mover deployed a series of groundbreaking logistics solutions to deliver three vacuum gas oil (VGO) reactor modules across a 2,200-kilometer stretch of sea and land.

Each VGO unit consisted of top, bottom and skirt sections weighing more than 2,500 tons.

One of the most ambitious solutions involved installing three modular steel bridges comprising more than 600 tons of refurbished steel across the key canals of Narwana, Zazam and Tharad to enable “seamless cargo transport” to the remote refinery. Underwater welding by marine divers reinforced the bridge bases, while cranes and pullers handled the transport of steel structures. Each 50-meter-long bridge supported loads of more than 2,000 tons.

The project also called for the construction of roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) jetties to offload the cargo at Hazira and Kandla Ports on India’s western coast, and road modifications, tollbooth widening and bypass construction for the overland segment.

Self-propelled modular trailers (SPMTs), over 400 heavy-duty European axles, primer movers, advanced flattop barges and six, 40-ton bollard pull tugs were deployed to transport the cargo along the challenging route to Panipat.

“All the reactor modules were delivered and installed successfully through meticulous planning, adherence to safety standards and close collaboration with all stakeholders,” the company said. “This project stands as a historic logistical marvel, showcasing Prism Logistics’ ability to overcome unprecedented challenges and set new benchmarks in the industry.”

Prism Logistics boasts more than three decades of experience in multimodal transportation, load outs, third-country logistics, port handling and crane lifting. The asset-rich firm operates offices in India, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Italy.


Prism Logistics will be exhibiting at Breakbulk Middle East 2025 on Feb. 10-11 in Dubai. Meet the team at stand Q10.